South Woodham Ferrers bowler Andrew McGarry is hoping his run in the Essex side will last long enough for him to make his debut at Southend Cricket Festival.

The County make their annual visit to the town at the end of the month when they face Glamorgan in the County Championship and National Cricket League.

And McGarry aims to ensure his performance against Gloucester this week at Colchester, allied to the six wickets he has claimed in three games for Essex, will keep him in the side for Southend.

"I am hoping I will be in the team to play against Glamorgan," said the 18-year-old, who is studying at South East Essex College in Southend.

"It would be good to be playing close to home and it will be different because I won't have to travel too far.

"I will be able to relax and hopefully see some people I know there too."

A right-arm medium paceman, McGarry has never played on the county pitch at Southchurch Park, although he has been in action at the venue in Shepherd Neame Essex League matches.

"I have not bowled on the Essex pitch before so I do not know what it is like. We will have to wait and see," added Basildon-born McGarry, who lived in Wickford for five years before moving to South Woodham.

The teenager, who completes his BTEC in sports studies next June, came into the Essex side in place of knee-injury victim Ashley Cowan and kept his spot when Mark Ilott pulled a hamstring against Worcestershire last month.

"I'm really pleased to be playing for Essex and hope I can keep in the team for the rest of the season," added McGarry, who plays his club cricket for Loughton's first XI but has yet to appear for Essex in a National Cricket League match.

"We have an excellent chance of going up in the County Championship if we can win two more matches. Our aim is to win the league."

l Essex host Glamorgan at Southchurch Park between August 30 and September 2 in the County Championship. Tickets cost £8 per day for adults and £4 for concessions.

September 3 sees the Essex Eagles take on Glamorgan Dragons in the National Cricket League. Tickets cost £10 for adults and £5 for concessions.

Festival tickets can be ordered on 01245 252420 (additional £1 handling charge) or bought at the County Ground in New Writtle Street, Chelmsford.

By Paul Alton

Reporter's e-mail: paul.alton@newsquest.co.uk

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