OXFORDSHIRE’S James Coles picked up a prestigious accolade when named player of the tournament at this year’s Bunbury Festival.

The event brings together the most talented under 15 schoolboy cricketers from England and Wales.

And Coles produced an outstanding display to land the honour after hitting 199 runs in three innings, which included a top score of 112.

His success at this year’s festival follows his impressive performance 12 months ago when he was the leading wicket-taker.

The Magdalen College School pupil captained the South & West side to secure both the T20 and 50-over titles.

Coles went on to skipper a combined South & West/London & East XI against the West Indies Under 15 team, where he hit 88 off just 55 deliveries.

And he then led the team against a North/Midlands select side, starring with a superb 129 off 121 balls.

To round off a stunning few weeks, Coles will on Tuesday play for the English Schools Cricket Association against the MCC at Lord’s.

“I really enjoyed the festival and being in the South and West side which gelled on and off the pitch,” he said.

“I relished the opportunity to captain the side and was amazed and honoured to receive player of the tournament.”

England South and West Under 15s manager Mark Allum hailed his display.

“James Coles rounded off a truly outstanding season with a third century in regional cricket this year. He has also scored six half-centuries along the way.

“Despite these exceptional contributions with the bat, it has been his leadership and character that has made a lasting impression.”

Oxfordshire and Sussex academy lead coach Alan Duncan believes Coles has the attitude to go further.

“The accolades that James has earned during the Bunbury Festival come as no surprise,” he said.

“He demonstrates a high level of maturity and is fully committed to improving his game.

“During the six years I have coached James, he has been incredibly dedicated and it is clear to see that he thrives on the challenges presented to him,” he said.

“I hope that his level head and hard work will help him to continue to progress and make the step up to first class cricket.”

  • ETHAN Barksfield hit 106 not out as Oxfordshire Under 12s beat hosts Worcestershire by 83 runs.

Julian Laird contributed 83 in Oxon’s 225-3, before the home side were dismissed for 142.

RESULTS

MEN

Oxon 2nd 170-3 (W Sutcliffe 97), Isle of Wight 161-8; Oxon 2nd 90-8, Isle of Wight 195-4; Oxon 2nd 162, Gloucestershire Academy 160; Oxon Over 50s 141, Essex 273-9.

BOYS

Oxon U11 98-7, Sussex 100-6; Oxon U11 99-6, Sussex 54-8; Saxons U13 171, Buckingham 182-7; Saxons U13 132-5, Hertfordshire 131-4.

GIRLS

Oxon U13 157 (S Kassey 48), Wales 77 (T Allum 3-7, S Kassey 3-10); Oxon U13 118-8 (S Kassey 41no), Suffolk 119-7; Oxon U13 74 (L Johnson 52), Kent

231-8 (E Simpson 3-7).