NEW Worcestershire professionals, paceman Josh Tongue and spinner Ben Twohig, have created a favourable impression with assistant coach Matt Mason this winter.

The duo, both former members of the Worcestershire Academy, signed two year deals towards the end of last summer and are experiencing their first winters as full-time pros- first at New Road and now Malvern College.

Tongue and Twohig are also both part of the England Development Programme, featuring in a series of training camps at Loughborough this winter, with the latter on stand-by for the Under-19 World Cup in Bangladesh.

Mason, who is in charge of playing affairs at New Road in Steve Rhodes absence with England Lions, said: "Josh has been fantastic this winter. He has already benefitted, particularly from strengthening and conditioning.

"He has done some good bowling sessions, he is very exciting, lively pace, swing and bounce.

"He reminds me of a sort of an Andy Caddick type bowler. He gets awkward bounce off a fullish length.

"He has been really impressive, as has young Ben Twohig who has come on, a left arm spinner working very hard at Malvern and both of them are great young lads and have fitted in really well."

The pair broke through into the Second Eleven last season and produced several encouraging performances and the next target will be to eventually strive to challenge for a first team spot.

Mason said: "Is there any chance of those two pushing for the first team this year? I don't know The faster they develop through playing some second team cricket, they have as much chance as anyone.

"There are plenty of young guys around who make their debuts. I think Tonguey has a real chance to play.

"One thing I'd say about Ben, there is an opportunity at this club for spinners so you never know what might happen."