The Blaze have been further bolstered ahead of the regional restructure with Ella Claridge and Cassidy McCarthy both signing two year deals.<\/p>\n
The pair add to the eight members of the playing squad who\u00a0have already renewed their contracts this year, building on the success of a Charlotte Edwards Cup title on the back of two consecutive white-ball finals.<\/p>\n
Claridge has been a regular face in both the T20 and 50-over formats, having played in every match so far in 2024.<\/p>\n
Part of the team which beat Central Sparks and South East Stars on Charlotte Edwards Cup Finals Day in Derby, she finished the semi-final unbeaten at the crease alongside Josie Groves.<\/p>\n
The 21-year-old also deputised for Sarah Bryce with the gloves in the opening stages of the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy, claiming five dismissals behind the stumps before scoring a List A best of 71 in the win against Western Storm.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m really happy to continue my stay here,\u201d Claridge said.<\/p>\n
\u201cEspecially having made contributions to wins this season, I think I am growing and developing as a player and that confidence is playing out on the pitch.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a good feeling to know that what you\u2019re doing is helping the side to be successful, and ultimately I want to keep continuing to push for titles with this team.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve done well to achieve the success that we have across the last two seasons and with so many of us staying next year, we\u2019re on the same page in thinking it can continue into the future.\u201d<\/p>\n
McCarthy, 22, joined The Blaze (previously Lightning) in 2022 having come through the Southern Vipers and Sussex Women academies.<\/p>\n
The right-arm quick has 18 career List A appearances to her name.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve really enjoyed my time at The Blaze so far and I\u2019m delighted to have the chance to continue my development here,\u201d McCarthy said.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m always striving to make positive contributions and I feel like I\u2019m getting the backing to become a better player.<\/p>\n
\u201cWith every opportunity I get I\u2019m trying to soak up what I can, and learn from those around me to be the best I can be.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a really good environment and I can\u2019t wait to see what the next few years has in store.\u201d<\/p>\n
Securing the future services of both Claridge and McCarthy forms another important piece of business for The Blaze’s Head Coach, Chris Guest.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe feel that maintaining continuity is going to be really important moving forwards, given the success we have achieved in the last 18 months,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cBoth Cass and Ella are incredibly talented young players but with room still to grow, and that\u2019s what is most exciting for us as a coaching team.<\/p>\n
\u201cElla has been a very important cog in the middle-order and has stepped up on multiple occasions this year.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe also know that she, Sarah Bryce and Scarlett Hughes will push each other on in the wicket-keeping department which will make all three of them better players.<\/p>\n
\u201cCass is an exciting bowler who has a point of difference with her pace. She is champing at the bit to play as much cricket as possible, which is exactly what you look for in a young player.<\/p>\n
\u201cHer attitude is second to none, and I have no doubt she\u2019ll make the most of the chances she is given over the next couple of years.\u201d<\/p>\n