BEA WILLIS, an 18 year old right arm seame,r has joined Somerset for two years after signing her first professional contract after impressing for the Academy this summer,

She has come though the Devon and Gloucestershire Pathways and Western Storm Emerging Player Programme and joined the Girls Academy last winter.

After signing for Somerset, Bea said: “It’s amazing to be able to say that I’m a professional cricketer because it’s something that I’ve worked really hard for. It’s really nice to know that the hard work has paid off, but it definitely doesn’t mean that the hard work stops. I’m so excited for what’s to come.

“I pride myself on being a game-changer and I hope that when my opportunity to represent Somerset arrives that I’ll be someone who runs in quick, challenges batters and changes the course of the game.

“To represent the region means absolutely everything to me because everyone who has helped me on my journey has played a part in me getting to this point.”

Girls Academy coach Jack Bradbury said: “I’m incredibly proud to see Bea sign her first contract. Her commitment to developing over the last 12 months has been phenomenal.

“She’s had a really exciting impact on a number of Academy fixtures this summer as well as in some ECB opportunities which have given her the chance to show everyone in the country how good she is.

“I’m incredibly excited to watch her go about her work as a professional cricketer in her own unique style.”

Somerset Director of Cricket Andy Hurry added: “Bea has worked hard with the Academy over the last 12 months and has the potential to bring a real point of difference with the ball. I’m sure she’ll be a great asset to the team.”

Meanwhile Sophie Luff, who captained Somerset Women in their first professional season in 2025. has welcomed the news that the Somerset Former Players Association (FPA) has extended it’s membership to include all those who appeared for SCCC First XI in Women’s List A matches played since the year 2000.

Sophie said: “I think that this is brilliant. When I started my cricketing journey I played alongside some of those players who made it very hard for me to break into the Somerset line up because they were such a good team at the time.

“There were a lot who had international caps and made my experience of transitioning into the county women’s set up a really enjoyable one with their passion.

“They would give up their time week in week out, and travel the length and breadth of the country for no reward, apart from the love of the game,”

Sophie added: “It’s amazing that now that they will be recognised and can still keep that connection with the club. I’m on a number of whats app groups with former players and I know that they will all think that this is brilliant.”

Former Somerset fast bowler David Gurr, who runs the FPA that was first set up in 1982 in conjunction with SCCC said: “One hundred and eight players represented the county during this period and until 2024 they were virtually all amateurs. From 2025 it will be from the professional game that players will qualify for membership.”