The SBS Otago Sparks have announced their nine players to be offered domestic contracts for the 2021-22 season.

The squad features three new faces, two of which are very familiar to the domestic cricketing scene.

Otago Cricket's Performance & Talent Manager, Simon Forde commented on the experience that the Sparks have gained over the off-season.

"It’s great to announce such a quality group of cricketers in the SBS Bank Otago Sparks contract group for the 2021-22 season,” said Forde.

“To be able to add experienced players such as Kate Ebrahim and Felicity Leydon-Davis will add great value to our youthful group both on the field, as well as in our training and off-field environments” Forde added.

Kate Ebrahim (née Broadmore) boasts over 3500 List A runs at an average of 29.8, to go along with her 164 wickets in the same format. In Twenty20 cricket, Ebrahim boasts over 1600 runs at an average of 27.6, as well as an impressive 79 wickets.

In 195 domestic appearances, Felicity Leydon-Davis has totalled 2,736 runs and 126 wickets.

Another new face to the 2021-22 contract group is that of Molly Loe, an impressive right-arm seam bowler hailing from Oamaru.

Loe impressed for New Zealand U19 as well as for the Sparks in a handful of appearances in the 2020-21 season.

Due to Covid-19 complications, the Otago Sparks expect to see more of our three White Ferns throughout the summer. Suzie Bates, Hayley Jensen and Katey Martin - will join the nine domestically contracted players to form the nucleus of the team for this season.

Otago Sparks Head Coach, Craig Cumming, expressed his excitement about the 2021-22 Sparks squad.

“As Head Coach of the Sparks, I’m genuinely excited about the group we’ve been able to put together for the upcoming season, which holds a nice blend of youth and experience,” said Cumming.

“The challenge for us this year was only selecting 9 players, as we’re very excited about the wider group and the growth those players have shown”

We now have a wider squad who are all deserving of a contract, and we are just as excited to see these girls perform as much as the 9 who have been contracted.” Cumming concluded.

Domestic Contracts:

Caitlin Blakely

Emma Black

Eden Carson

Kate Ebrahim*

Polly Inglis

Bella James

Felicity Leydon-Davis*

Molly Loe*

Sophie Oldershaw

Indicates new contract*

NZC Contracts:

Suzie Bates - WHITEFERNS Contract

Hayley Jensen - WHITEFERNS Contract

Katey Martin - WHITEFERNS Contract

*ENDS*

Article added: Monday 11 October 2021