Two young cricketers who share a first name are expected to play a huge role for Bermuda at the Under-19 Cricket World Cup regional qualifiers in the United States this summer.

Luke Horan and Luke Fulton, who are studying at two top cricket-playing schools in England, will be some of the stars to watch out for when the regional tournament takes place at a yet-to-be-named US venue from August 7 to 17.

Eighteen-year-old Fulton is a young Bermudian who has been studying at Repton School in Derbyshire since August 2023 and he enjoys the fast-paced nature of life at Repton, which challenges him to excel in both academics and sports.

“Going to the UK has helped me to develop more as an all-rounder and a better fielder,” Fulton told The Royal Gazette. “This has helped me to excel in my game and improve to challenge at higher levels of cricket.”

At 16, Horan has shown promise as an all-rounder. He attends King’s College Taunton in Somerset, where he has been studying since September.

Horan values the balance between sport and academics at his school, allowing him to focus on both his studies and cricketing development. As someone who developed his cricket talent against older players, he is delighted to be in an environment dominated by his peers.

“I have definitely excelled and my cricket has got a lot better,” Horan said.

“I feel that there is very good coaching staff and also very good players. This has helped me a lot as I am playing against players my own age.”

With Warwick back in the Premier Division 50 Overs, Horan and Fulton are excited about the upcoming domestic campaign, but they are expected to miss part of Bermuda’s domestic season because of school commitments.

“Warwick has brought in a few players which will boost our hopes of staying up in the 50 overs league and getting promoted in the T20,” Horan said.

Fulton has been giving some attention to his batting with hopes to contribute in that department for the club. He believes that Warwick stand a chance of being promoted to the T20 Premier Division, as well as moving up the table in the 50-over format.

“I hope to be more of a batter during the domestic season as I’ve been working really hard on my batting during the off-season,’’ he said.

“With the ball, I expect myself to be challenging for the top wicket-taker in the division, and push to get my side promoted to the Premier Division T20.”

Having represented Bermuda at the last Americas Under-19 World Cup qualifiers in Canada two years ago, the Lukes have their sights on making the cut for Bermuda again.

Despite Bermuda’s size, Horan is confident that with adequate preparation, coaching, and funding, they have the potential to challenge teams like Canada and the US.

He emphasises the importance of early training, quality coaching and better facilities, including an indoor cricket centre, to ensure the best possible preparation for the tournament.

“For the under-19s, I feel that if we get the right support with coaching and facilities, then we will have a better chance at the qualifiers in the summer,” he said.

Fulton believes qualifying for the Under-19 World Cup is achievable with the right preparation and commitment. He also advocates for better facilities and more structured training sessions to elevate Bermuda’s cricketing standards on an international level.

“With investment in indoor nets and enhanced coaching support, local players can train year round,” Fulton said. “This can see them turn into well-rounded cricketers and create more pathways into professional cricket.

“In terms of my role in the team if selected, it will likely be more of a strike bowler as taking wickets early on will be crucial in order for us to challenge in this tournament.

“However, as we are not the strongest batting side, I may sometimes be required to chip in with the bat to give us a better chance of putting up decent scores.”

Being team-mates on two teams is not enough for the two Lukes, who will again put their names into the mix for St George’s for Cup Match selection.

Despite playing in a strong British schools cricket system, Fulton acknowledges that nothing in his playing career so far can compare to the unique energy and excitement of Bermuda’s Annual Classic.

The bowler had the honour of representing St George’s in the Cup Match last year, an opportunity that filled him with immense pride, while Horan, a key player in the East Enders winning Colts Cup Match team in 2023 and 2024, has been a junior reserve for the past two years.

Last year, a few days after picking up seven wickets for 39 runs to lead St George's to a sensational victory at Somerset in Colts Cup Match, Horan took two excellent catches in the Annual Classic, with his brilliance in the field leading to the demise of Kamau Leverock and Steven Bremar Jr.

The Lukes draw their inspiration locally from different Bermuda cricketers. Although Fulton’s favourite local player, Janeiro Tucker, played for Somerset, he greatly admires his dedication, mentality and coaching skills.

Horan also looks up to another Somerset player, Malachi Jones, who has mentored him over several seasons while playing together at Warwick.