WEST Bowling coach Glenn Barraclough has spoken of his pride at the incredible success that former player Jake Trueman is having at the highest level.

Teenager Trueman, whose family have strong links with their local club, has shone for Castleford Tigers this season in Super League and he put in a stunning individual performance in their Magic Weekend win over Leeds Rhinos.

Barraclough said: "We're extremely proud. For him to get this chance so early in his career is great. He seems to be getting looked after really well at Castleford. They're playing him at the right time and moving him forward when they have to.

"He's always been a classy performer but he's just going from strength to strength now. It's great for the club. It's nice to be able to pin your flag to somebody and say that we helped in his development.

"His family are still involved with the club. Max (his brother) has just signed for Bradford Bulls and his dad was on the committee here. We're still mates and we go out together."

Barraclough did not want to miss Trueman's big day in Newcastle and he managed to watch the game abroad. He laughed: "We were in Benidorm at the weekend on an annual trip.

"We had a day in the bars watching the games but it was all focused towards Castleford's game against Leeds and watching Jake. We were all cheering him on."

The West Bowling coach must wish he still had the Trueman brothers in his team now, as they have suffered an indifferent start to their Division Two campaign in the Kingstone Press National Conference League.

They face Dewsbury Moor Maroons at the weekend and looking ahead to that game, Barraclough said: "They're quite a physical side and they've got a good defence.

"They're not scoring too many points which is a bonus but you've still got to be able to score yourself. I'm hoping it is a close encounter because we've had a couple of big blowouts recently.

"We're hoping to try and find a bit of form and confidence but it will be a tough one on Saturday."