BUILTH Wells bowler Jamie McIlroy says he is “absolutely thrilled” to have signed a contact extension with Glamorgan.

The 26-year-old left-arm seamer, who made his first-class debut for the Welsh county earlier this year, has endured an injury-blighted 2021, but is delighted to be one of several players earning a contract extension, and he is hungry to improve.

“I’m absolutely thrilled to sign a new deal at Glamorgan and commit to the club for another year,” said the Hereford-born speedster, whose very first delivery in the professional game was against none other than England test captain Joe Root in Glamorgan’s clash with Yorkshire on the opening weekend of the 2021 LV= County Championship season in April.

“Despite it being a frustrating season with injuries, in many ways 2021 has been a breakout season for me.

“I was able to make my debut for the club and now I’ve had a taste for it, I’m hungry to continue my development and keep improving so I can continue to push for a place in the first team.”

McIlroy also took his maiden County Championship wicket in that debut Group 3 fixture against Yorkshire, admitting he had realised a childhood dream. His first professional scalp was Matt Fisher, McIlroy dismissing the No8 batsman for just six as the visitors bowled the hosts out for 193 at Headingley to take command of their encounter.

McIlroy recorded more than decent figures for the Welsh side – taking the wicket of Fisher and conceding just 12 runs in his nine overs, including four maidens, for an economy rate of 1.33.

“It was a pretty great feeling,” Builth product McIlroy said of his bow and debut wicket at the time.

“It was something I’d been wanting for a long time, to make my debut, and bowling your first ball as a professional against the England test captain and one of the best batters in the world, was a bit daunting.

“Being able to achieve a dream I’ve had since I was about 10 was an unbelievable feeling.”

McIlroy, a right-handed batsman and left-arm fast-medium bowler who also showed aptitude for football, having played both sports for his home town, signed for the Sophia Gardens outfit in 2019.

Glamorgan director of cricket, Mark Wallace, said: “Jamie McIlroy got a feel for what the first-class level is about and as a left-arm seamer he offers something a little different. We’re looking forward to seeing him develop over the next year.”

He joins Andrew Salter and Tom Cullen in penning new contracts with the Welsh club.

Salter has penned a two-year deal, while Cullen and McIlroy have agreed to one-year extensions.

All-rounder Salter, 28, has made 189 appearances for the Welsh county across all formats since making his debut in 2012. Wicket-keeper batsman Cullen, 29, joined Glamorgan in 2017 after impressing for Cardiff MCCU.