Freya Davies in action
Women’s Cricket Superleague awash with current and former University of Exeter Students
With the Women’s Cricket Superleague (WCSL) season rapidly approaching the Western Storm franchise (partnered with Somerset County Cricket Club, Gloucestershire County Cricket Club and the University of Exeter) have announced their squad for the 2017 competition.
Now in its second year the 2017 Kia Women’s Cricket Superleague runs in a similar format to the Indian Premier League and Australian Big Bash. The 5 teams competing alongside Western Storm include: Lancashire Thunder, Loughborough Lightning, Southern Vipers, Surrey Stars and the Yorkshire Diamonds. With current University of Exeter students, alumnae and former Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme (TASS) athletes featuring across the teams Exeter continues to produce talented female cricketers who compete at the highest level.
Current University student and Sports Scholar Freya Davies lines up for Western Storm, having narrowly missed out on the trophy in the final last year vs. Southern Vipers they hope to go one better this season. Also representing Western Storm is former Sports Scholar Amara Carr and 2 former University of Exeter TASS athletes Jodie Dibble and Cait O’Keefe. Amongst the other franchises, playing for Western Storms biggest rivals is former Sports Scholar Fi Morris, with another former Sports Scholar Aylish Cranstone flying the flag for Surrey Stars.
For current student Freya Davies, who graduates this summer, the 2017 WCSL marks the start of her continued development with the hope to represent the senior England Women’s Cricket side. Upon graduation she is pursuing her England cricket ambitions on a full time basis. Freya made her 1st senior appearance for Sussex aged just 14 and hit her 1st 50 against Somerset 2 years later. She has been a regular feature in the County side since then and in 2015 added a T20 cup medal to her collection. Throughout her time at University she has led the Ladies Indoor cricket team to 2 BUCS Golds and Ladies Outdoor cricket to 2 BUCS Silvers. As captain of the University of Exeter Women’s Cricket Club Freya has worked hard to get more women involved and this year the club have recorded their highest ever membership and been able to raise 2 indoor BUCS teams.
Freya commented “I’ve really enjoyed my time at Exeter and am very pleased to be graduating with my degree in Law this summer. As always I’m looking forward to a summer of cricket and really excited to be playing again for Western Storm. Being able to commit to cricket with England full time next year is a fantastic opportunity for me and I can’t wait to get started!" The University's cricket programme is generously supported by alumni Prof. Jenny & Mr Stephen Harrow (Politics, 1968; History, 1967), whose support has enabled many Exeter students to fulfil their cricketing potential while studying at the University.
Western Storm kick off their 2017 WCSL campaign on Thursday 10th August in a replay of last year’s final against Southern Vipers at the Ageas Bowl. Follow @WesternStormKSL and @UoEStudentSport for regular updates throughout the season.
Co written by Jonty Brett (work experience placement student from Okehampton College) and Nicky Savill (High Performance Co-ordinator)
Date: 26 May 2017