Youngster Tom signs his first professional county contract
LANCASHIRE Cricket have announced that Ormskirk CC youngster Tom Hartley has signed his first professional contract with the Club.
Alongside Jack Morley, who also signed a deal, the spin bowling duo have progressed through the Club’s pathway and age-group system and have both signed one-year contracts ahead of the 2019 season.
Both played important roles in the Lancashire Second XI squad which was crowned T20 champions last summer, with left arm leg-spinner Hartley claiming three for 12 in the final against Essex – his best figures for the Red Rose.
17-year-old Morley, also a left arm spin bowler from Heywood CC, featured regularly for the Second XI last summer and earned a place on the England Young Lions tour to India and Bangladesh this winter.
The pair have followed in the footsteps of fellow Academy players George Lavelle and George Balderson, who also signed their first professional contracts with the Club back in November.
Speaking after signing his deal, Tom Hartley, 20, said: “I am thrilled to sign my first professional contract with the Red Rose.
“Last year was huge for me, to feature for the Second XI and to cap it off with a good performance in the final as the lads won the T20 competition.
“My aim for next season is to work hard, perform consistently for the Second XI and do all that I can to put my name in the mix for First Team selection.”
Jack Morley commented: “It is a dream come true to sign professional terms with Lancashire.
“After coming through the age-group pathway and joining the Academy, this is the next step for me and I hope that re-pay the faith that the Club have put in me.
Lancashire’s Performance Director and Assistant Coach, Mark Chilton, added: “We are really pleased that Tom and Jack have signed their first professional contracts with the Club.
“Both players impressed the coaching staff with their attitudes and performances throughout the 2018 season and they both deserve the opportunity to continue their development with the Lancashire squad in 2019.
“Tom played a huge role in the triumphant Second XI T20 Finals Day at Arundel, whilst Jack’s performances saw him recognised with England Young Lions selection this winter and it’s great for the Club that two players who have come all the way through the pathway have earned their first professional contracts.”