Yorks free bowler Norton

GREG Norton, the young seam bowler from Rotherham who sprang from nowhere to get his chance with Yorkshire, is one of three players released by the county.

By The Newsroom

Published 29th Aug 2007, 09:00 BST

Updated 29th Aug 2007, 10:33 BST

Norton, 19, was spotted playing for Kilnhurst in the Doncaster League and Yorkshire took him on and he took five wickets in last year’s 2nd XI Trophy Final against Warwickshire. He has played with the 2nd XI and the Academy.

He is being released along with all-rounder Chris Gilbert and pace bowler Nick Thornicroft. Martyn Moxon, Yorkshire’s Director of cricket, said: “While they have all made contributions to the club, especially the 2nd XI, we feel that we are unlikely to be able to offer them first XI opportunities in the near future.

“Players in and around their early 20s need to be challenging for first team slots and, therefore, we fell it is in the best interests all round for them to look for opportunities elsewhere and we will do what we can to help them.

“It is always difficult telling young players they will not be offered new contracts,” he added.