Cricket: Surrey duo both sign professional deals to represent South East Stars

2 July 2020 Sports Reporter

Sophia Dunkley and Bryony Smith have signed for newly-formed regional side South East Stars.

The pair, who play their county cricket for Surrey, have been joined by Kent duo Alice Davidson-Richards and Tash Farrant.

They are part of the first cohort of domestic professional cricketers in the female game in England and Wales. Eight regions will face each other in competitions to prepare players for international cricket.

Operating in partnership with both Surrey & Kent County Cricket Clubs, South East Stars is to be the official name of the first team and academy sides at the centre of excellence that covers the two counties.

Surrey will act as the regional host with Beckenham as the regional performance centre.

Smith and Dunkley will be contracted to the South East Stars until October 2021.

Bryony Smith of England Women’s Academy hits a shot during the match between England Women’s Academy and Australia Women at Haslegrave Ground on June 26, 2019 in Loughborough, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

Richard Bedbrook, regional director of women’s cricket, said: “As well as playing for the South East Stars, the professional players in the set-up will have some responsibility towards helping to grow the game and inspire girls in the region to pick up a bat and ball.

“These four have all demonstrated a positive attitude in terms of growing women’s cricket in London and the South East.

“I can’t wait to start working with them, whenever that may be possible.”