Hampshire pair released from Utilita Bowl at end of contracts

SPINNERS Charlotte Taylor and Finty Trussler have been released from Southern Vipers at the conclusion of their contracts.

Both players made their way through the Hampshire youth system, with Taylor making her Vipers debut in 2020 and Trussler in 2022.

Spinner Taylor, who plays for Hursley Park CC, shot into the limelight when she took six wickets in the final of the first-ever Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy at Edgbaston.

Her figures helped the Vipers win the 50-over competition for the first time, before she helped the team lift the trophy again in 2021 and 2023.

Injury meant Taylor only played in one match of the 2023 season, with further injury ruling her out of contention for 2024.

Adam Carty, regional director of women’s cricket, said: “In Charlotte, we unearthed a very intelligent and mindful cricketer to the women’s domestic scene in 2020, and for two seasons in particular, she wreaked havoc amongst opposition batters across both formats.

“Her rise up the ranks brought much satisfaction to the leadership group at the organisation, and she was a great example of one who maximised every opportunity to become a professional cricketer.

"She is one who squeezed every last ounce of her talent to perform so well amongst very good company. It’s comforting to see Tayz progress in the game away from playing in the guise of match commentary and coaching, both of which she’s showing a natural capability for.”

St Cross CC’s Trussler made her debut against eventual champions Northern Diamonds at Headingley, where she took 2-56 from ten overs before claiming 2-12 in the eliminator against South East Stars just four days later.

Trussler made her Hampshire debut in 2021, and took 33 wickets in 31 matches for the county, along with 554 runs. In 2024, she captained Hampshire to T20 Finals Day and was the county’s leading run scorer in the competition.

Carty added: “In Finty, we have a player who has shown much talent and excellent leadership attributes during her time in orange and black.

"Although she was unfortunate to not make more first XI appearances, I sense she’ll take a great deal from her journey.

"With that I’m pretty confident that she’ll consolidate her capabilities at Tier 2 level, before potentially getting another stab at Tier 1, before long.

“Both players, I’m sure will enjoy long and fruitful careers in the game and I thank them sincerely, and wish them both mine and the club’s best wishes.”