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SOMERSET WOMEN READY TO MAKE HISTORY AHEAD OF INAUGURAL SEASON

United Kingdom

As a new dawn rises over Somerset County Cricket Club, anticipation is growing for the launch of its women’s team and their first competitive season.

With a squad full of exciting talent, ambition and a pioneering spirit, the 2025/26 campaign marks the beginning of an exciting new era for women’s cricket in the region.

Led by Head Coach Trevor Griffin, Somerset women will make their competitive debut on Wednesday 23rd April in the One Day Cup against Surrey, followed by a landmark home clash at the Cooper Associates County Ground against Lancashire on Sunday 27th April.

The team will take to the field in their new One Day kit, a design that proudly celebrates the club’s 150-year history.

As the club’s official kit supplier, Kukri Sports are proud to be at the heart of this historic moment, supporting the women’s, men’s and academy squads on and off the pitch with high-quality and accessible sportswear.

A Historic Moment

Trevor Griffin, who brings a wealth of experience to his new role, is proud to lead the team into a groundbreaking chapter.

“It means a tremendous amount,” he said. “We are extremely proud to have been given the opportunity to set the standard for what it means to play for Somerset.

It’s a historic moment for the club and for the women’s game, and it’s an honour to have been given this responsibility.”

Griffin and the squad have spent the winter months training extensively at the Cooper Associates County Ground’s indoor centre of excellence, and more recently, the squad headed to Sharjah for a pre-season tour.

The players have not only worked on their skills but also bonded as a team, strengthening the foundation of what promises to be a season full of ambition.

“Whilst the indoor centre is an excellent facility, nothing beats getting out on the grass,” Griffin said.

“We’ve been building those crucial off-field bonds that will define our identity. It’s not just about cricket – it’s about connection and shared purpose too.”

Building a Team to Inspire

Griffin is excited by the mix of experience and emerging talent in the squad, and believes the group is ready to excite both on and off the field.

“We want to be playing a brand of cricket that excites people,” Griffin said. “We want to inspire our members and supporters and get people out of their seats.”

Charlie Dean: A Fresh Excitement

One of the most exciting new additions to the squad is England international Charlie Dean.

With experience in domestic cricket with Hampshire, Southern Vipers and London Spirit, as well as international tours with England, Dean is eager to be part of the new-look Somerset women’s team.

“It’s really exciting. We’ve got a young, fresh group with lots of Western Storm squad members and some new faces like myself,” Dean said.

“There’s a fresh slate for us and no outright favourite going into the season, which gives us a level playing field.”

Dean, a right-handed batter and right-arm off break bowler who made her international debut in 2021, is also excited about the visibility of women’s cricket as they head into the season.

“It’s amazing that as a county team we are so much more visible now we’re at Somerset,” she said.

“I remember when I was a kid going to watch an England women’s game and that was really special because I could see myself in those players and now it’s more readily available and you can watch regional cricketers.

“Hopefully, we can inspire young girls to come and watch and be inspired to pick up a bat and ball.”

Ambitions for the Season Ahead

Griffin is clear about the squad’s ambition going into their debut season.

“We want to be challenging for titles come the end of the season. We don’t want to be here just making up the numbers.

“We have a talented and passionate group who have worked tremendously hard over the winter, and I hope they get the rewards their efforts deserve.”

The talent includes a dynamic mix of youth and experience. International stars like Dani Gibson, Charlie Dean and Heather Knight bring top-level experience, while homegrown talents such as Katie Jones, Olivia Barnes and Rebecca Odgers represent the exciting new generation of Somerset cricket.

Somerset Women are focused not only on playing exciting cricket but also on inspiring the next generation of players.

With a strong squad, great facilities, and an unwavering commitment to success, Somerset Women are ready to make history in their debut season and announce themselves on the big stage.

Kukri are proud to support the team on their journey and wish them the best of luck ahead of the new season.

Get ready for the new season and explore Somerset women’s official range, shop now.

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