Sudbury’s Jonny Gallagher is hoping he will get another chance to play for Suffolk after making his Unicorns Championship debut against Staffordshire, writes Nick Garnham.

The 32-year-old opening bowler ended wicketless despite impressing with the ball during Suffolk’s 185-run defeat in their opening match of the season at West Bromwich Dartmouth CC.

Gallagher, who was born in North Wales, moved to Sudbury nine years ago after meeting his future wife while studying at Loughborough University.

He played a pivotal role in the Sudbury side that won the Gibbs Denley East Anglian Premier League last season, and his form in the past two years led to his selection, although he admitted he never really expected the call.

He said: “Maybe in the last couple of years because I have steadily improved since moving to Sudbury; I have been more consistent and have utilised my skills set to better effect.

“But I never really thought it would happen, so to get the call-up was a surprise more than not and I was very happy.

“At 16 I was selected to play for Wales at Junior level, and it was a similar feeling and I was very excited.”

Gallagher, who works for accountancy firm RSM in London, continued: “It has gone well without being exceptional. I would have liked to have taken my first Minor Counties wicket, but I executed my plans as I wanted to by bowling at the top of off stump and building pressure on the batsmen by going for as few runs as possible.

“Although a little disappointed not to get a wicket, it has been a great experience. It has been hard work as I am not used to playing four days’ cricket in a row.

“I spent 64 overs in the dirt (for Sudbury) on Saturday, then 90 overs on Sunday and 60 or 70 more on Monday, so my body is in need of a rest!

“It has been a great challenge and I have thoroughly enjoyed it. Hopefully I will get the chance to play in one of the remaining games this season and get the chance to take my first wicket.”