Exciting times for two Wisbech Grammar School cricketers

Two young cricketers from Wisbech Grammar School have earned fantastic opportunities to progress their careers.

Fast bowler George Gowler has been selected for the Northamptonshire County Cricket Club Academy and leg spinner Phoenix Sherry has made the Norfolk Cricket Emerging Player Programme

Sixth former Gowler is from March and plays cricket for Wisbech Town.

School head of cricket Neil Taylor said: “George has worked extremely hard. In 2018, we formed a schools partnership programme with Northants CCC, with the aim of providing our exceptionally talented players with a pathway into professional cricket.”

Northants Cricket Academy head coach Kevin Innes said: “George has progressed from our Emerging Players Programme to be the first pupil from the Grammar School to be offered a place on the Academy.

“We are delighted to have George on board and we look forward to working closely with him and the school to give him every chance to fulfil his potential.”

Mr Taylor said of Year 11 student Sherry: “Phoenix has lots of potential. He has worked exceptionally hard, both physically and technically, and thoroughly deserves his place on the programme.”

When not representing the school, Sherry plays for North Runcton Cricket Club in the Norfolk Alliance Cricket League.

The Emerging Players Programme has been in existence since 2007 and facilitates a connection between elite Norfolk Youth cricketers and First Class Academies.

Since 2007, 15 players have progressed to First Class Academies, the most notable being Olly Stone, who made his England Test debut against Ireland at Lords in 2019.