Gareth Wade (pictured in training) grew up playing cricket in his home village of Stocksfield, and is now hopeful of playing against his boyhood team of Durham after signing for County Championship Division Two side Northants.
The 25-year-old has been a regular for Northumberland in the Minor County Championships, and spent four years at Chester-le-Street before moving on to Lanchester more recently.
And it was through his county commitments that he caught the eye of Northants, shining against Norfolk under the watchful eye of the umpire who had links to the professional club’s second team.
Gareth was invited to play against Scotland and took the opportunity with both hands, attracting the attention of the first team selectors. The pace bowler didn’t hesitate when asked to sign the one-year contract, and is looking forward to getting started.
He said: “I moved down here two weeks ago and I’m currently in pre-season training and in the gym a lot, and the season starts with a tour to the Bahamas in March with the first team!
“My goal is to make sure I stick in, do the best I can and play for the second team with the hope of pushing for a regular spot in the first team. I can’t wait to get started, as being a professional cricketer is what I’ve always wanted to do.
“I played as a junior at Stocksfield under Chris Catnach, and now I can’t really believe I’m training with first class cricketers after coming from nowhere.”
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