Katie George pictured in Vipers action by Dave Vokes
SOUTHERN Vipers starlet Katie George is ready for the Kia Super League – they play Western Storm under the gaze of the Sky television cameras at the Ageas Bowl this (Thursday) afternoon - after impressing for Totton & Eling this season.
The 18 year-old has prepared for the Vipers’ defence of their Kia Super League title by moving from home club Old Tauntonians & Romsey to play for rivals Totton & Eling in division two of the British Gas Southern Premier League.
Relishing the challenge, she took 4-16 and scored an unbeaten 17 against Langley Manor in only her third appearance, writes the Daily Echo's Simon Walter.
While she had the full backing of most of her teammates, including boyfriend Ollie Perrin, some were sceptical.
“The captain [Zimbabwean Mark Mbofana] told me a couple of teammates were unhappy about me playing in the first game or two so I had to try and prove myself and that’s what I’ve done,” she said.
“There was that extra bit of pressure every time the ball came to me but every time I get the ball in the hand I’ve done well and proved the doubters wrong.
“It was a little bit of a jump [in standard] but I backed myself to compete, although I wasn’t expecting to take a four-fer so soon.”
Katie played four KSL games last season and believes she is a better player going into this year’s tournament, which the Vipers begin against Western Storm, who they beat in last year’s final.
“I’m fitter, stronger, more consistent, more confident and I have more strings to my bow with my bowling,” she added.
Katie, who completed her A levels at Richard Taunton College this term, has been developing her coaching skills as a PE teaching assistant at King Edward VI school as well as Totton & Eling’s colts.
No longer the youngest member of the Vipers squad, she is also helping 16 year-old Hampshire teammate Charlie Dean, an off-spinning all-rounder from Havant, to settle in.
“Charlie’s where I was last year, everything’s a bit new but it’s the right decision to get her in.”
Charlie Dean is the daughter of former Havant opener Steve Dean, one of the most prolific Minor Counties Championship cricketers in his Walsall and Staffordshire days.
The 18 year-old has prepared for the Vipers’ defence of their Kia Super League title by moving from home club Old Tauntonians & Romsey to play for rivals Totton & Eling in division two of the British Gas Southern Premier League.
Relishing the challenge, she took 4-16 and scored an unbeaten 17 against Langley Manor in only her third appearance, writes the Daily Echo's Simon Walter.
While she had the full backing of most of her teammates, including boyfriend Ollie Perrin, some were sceptical.
“The captain [Zimbabwean Mark Mbofana] told me a couple of teammates were unhappy about me playing in the first game or two so I had to try and prove myself and that’s what I’ve done,” she said.
“There was that extra bit of pressure every time the ball came to me but every time I get the ball in the hand I’ve done well and proved the doubters wrong.
“It was a little bit of a jump [in standard] but I backed myself to compete, although I wasn’t expecting to take a four-fer so soon.”
Katie played four KSL games last season and believes she is a better player going into this year’s tournament, which the Vipers begin against Western Storm, who they beat in last year’s final.
“I’m fitter, stronger, more consistent, more confident and I have more strings to my bow with my bowling,” she added.
Katie, who completed her A levels at Richard Taunton College this term, has been developing her coaching skills as a PE teaching assistant at King Edward VI school as well as Totton & Eling’s colts.
No longer the youngest member of the Vipers squad, she is also helping 16 year-old Hampshire teammate Charlie Dean, an off-spinning all-rounder from Havant, to settle in.
“Charlie’s where I was last year, everything’s a bit new but it’s the right decision to get her in.”
Charlie Dean is the daughter of former Havant opener Steve Dean, one of the most prolific Minor Counties Championship cricketers in his Walsall and Staffordshire days.
