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A Taunton School leaver has signed his first professional cricket contract.
Kian Roberts, who left the school earlier this year, has signed with Somerset County Cricket Club.
The contract comes after his debut with the first XI squad in a Metro Bank One Day Cup match against Lancashire on Sunday, August 10, and a second match against Sussex, in which he scored 29 runs and claimed his inaugural first XI wicket.
Kian began his journey with the club at the under 11s level, having played for Cornwall since the age of eight.
He has gone on to represent all Somerset cricket teams, including the EPP and academy, under-16s, under-18s, and the second XI.
This year, he played five second XI County Championship matches and six second XI T20 matches.
He said: "I’m over the moon to have signed a contract with Somerset and can’t wait to get started in the new year.
"It’s something I’ve wanted to do since I started playing cricket."
Kian developed his cricket skills throughout his eight years at Taunton School as a sport scholar, and went on to become captain of the first XI in Years 12 and 13, while studying BTEC Sport and Exercise Science.
He added: "Taunton School has supported me on my journey since I joined in 2017 and I loved my time there.
"The amount of coaching I’ve had alongside my academic studies has been amazing.
"Being able to work with Somerset legend and England batting coach Marcus Trescothick has definitely benefitted me, as has the help from Mr Sanderson and the rest of the cricket coaches."
Pete Sanderson, director of cricket at Taunton School, said: "It has been a pleasure to be part of Kian’s journey since 2017, seeing not only his cricket blossom but his character and leadership skills too.
"The way he combined progressing his Somerset career with his academics showed high commitment levels and excellent time management.
"Overall, we are very proud of his achievements and look forward to seeing his progress."
