First pupil to benefit from close association with first class county

Wisbech Grammar School is proud that Year 10 pupil George Gowler has accepted a place on the Emerging Players Programme (EPP) at Northamptonshire County Cricket Club.

News of the Wisbech Town CC youngster’s move was revealed in the Fenland Citizen on January 2.

Director of sport at Wisbech Grammar School (WGS), Phil Webb, said: “We are delighted that George has become the first WGS pupil to benefit from the close association with Northants CCC.

“The partnership was set up two years ago by head of cricket, Neil Taylor, who has seen the benefits of a close association with a first class county through his role as a Norfolk youth cricket coach and chairman.”

Gowler had an excellent season last year for the school, WTCC and Cambridgeshire.

Meanwhile, Northants performance cricket coach, Luke Swann said: “George has excellent cricketing potential and we are excited about working closely with both George and the school.”

This means that Gowler will attend regular sessions at the County Ground in Northampton and their coaches will also visit WGS.

The school added: “Cricket at WGS is thriving and there is no doubt that our special relationship with Northants CCC presents an excellent player pathway which not only benefits our pupils but also children from the local area attending our Friday night Cricket Academy sessions.”

Gowler, of March, is one of 16 players to be taken this time around by the county side.

The squad began their EPP training, for 13-16 year-olds, earlier this month.