TEENAGE prospect George Watts maintained his impressive start to the season when he paved the way for New Milton’s convincing win in the first round of the Southern Premier League t20 Cup on Sunday.

George, a product of the Fernhill outfit’s flourishing colts system, has been promoted to the first-team ranks by captain Ryan Beck after showing promise towards the end of last season.

The 16-year-old seamer, son of former skipper Steve Watts, has taken six wickets in three games in Division One, his three 10-over spells going for a total of just 80 runs.

George returned another tidy spell on his t20 debut for the club and laid the foundations for New Milton’s eight-wicket win at Calmore Sports by claiming the first wicket.

He trapped opener Ben Johns in front with the score on five before going on to concede just 11 runs off his allotted four overs – his superb figures including a maiden.

Having helped New Milton dismiss Calmore for 63, George then looked on from the pavilion as team-mate James Park (26) saw them home at 67 for two off just 11.1 of their 20 overs.

George’s efforts with the ball helped New Milton set up a potentially-mouthwatering second round clash with neighbours and holders Bashley at Fernhill on Sunday, June 9.

Captain Beck says George has been a revelation for New Milton and added: “He has bowled out of his skin for us and his figures have been a lesson for everybody.

“His action is effortless and he puts the ball in the right area almost every time. He makes it difficult for batsmen to score and puts pressure on people right from the start. He does everything he needs to and is a role model to other players even though he is only 16.

“I think he could go on to bigger and better things because he is one of the best I have seen at this level. He is doing a great job and is ahead of his years.”

Nick Elliott, New Milton’s 19-year-old spinner, bowled four overs for just five runs in the win.