George hits them for six

2015 has been a remarkable season for Merchant Taylors’ young cricketer George Lavelle. As well as being top scorer for the school 1st XI with 890 runs, the first Year 10 boy to achieve such a feat in the history of the school, he has thrust himself into the national limelight with a string of outstanding performances for Lancashire Under 15’s and the North of England.

As captain of the county Under 15 team he led his side to victory in the national county competition and was selected for the North of England in the annual Bunbury festival in which George won the awards for most prolific batsman, best wicket-keeper, best all-rounder and most valuable player.

He has also been identified and interviewed by Sky Sports as ‘the one to watch’ for the future, and George was also invited by the England coach Paul Farbrace to spend a day practising with the full England team as they prepared for their one day International against Australia.

George’s achievements have been recognised nationally through his award of the Cricket Society’s Sir Jack Hobbs Prize for the most outstanding Under 16 cricketer in England. This award is decided by the English Schools Cricket Association. He has also been awarded the Gray Nicholls Trophy for the most improved young cricketer in England.

Head of Cricket at Merchant Taylors’, Simon Sutcliffe has not been surprised by the progress George has made this season. He said: “From the moment he played his first innings and kept wicket for our Under 12 team three years ago it was clear that George has a special talent for cricket.

“Just as importantly he has an extraordinary focus on improvement and a determination to succeed which can only be described as ruthless. This combination of talent and attitude, together with the support he gets from his family, Merchant Taylors’ Cricket, the Lancashire County, and Ormskirk Cricket Club, all adds up to an exciting future for George.”