SOMERSET Women have learned their fixtures for the 2024 season as they were released last week.

The summer will see the team playing both T20 and 50-over cricket, with the season starting in April and finishing in August.

There will be a national element to the T20 competition this year, whilst there will also be additional focus on 50-over cricket.

Many of the venues are yet to be confirmed but we are delighted to be able to announce that the 50-over derby match against Gloucestershire will be held at the Cooper Associates County Ground on Sunday July 14th.

Pathway Coach & Women & Girls Lead, Kieran Peters is pleased with the new structure of the season.

“Things will be slightly different again this summer,” he said.

“To have a national final in the T20 competition is really exciting and will be really valuable within the overall structure of the season. We will obviously be looking to win our group again this year which will create the opportunity for us to go on to a national final.

“Eight teams in our group means that there’s more teams to play against, which is another exciting development for 2024. It’s also great to see that the tournament is spread out over the whole summer rather than being confined to April and May.

“The 50-over competition will be run by the ECB this year. It’s nice to see that the governing body are looking to grow and improve the offering for women and girls at a domestic level. It’s important that the pro game and the game at this level are aligned as closely as possible. More structured 50-over cricket being a part of the women’s schedule is extremely valuable for those players who are looking to transition into cricket at the next level.

“The women’s county game as it is now is often the first opportunity for a lot of young cricketers to play against women in 50 over cricket rather than at age group level. It also provides additional opportunities for Western Storm coaches and scouts to have a look at our best high-potential players across the county as well as giving the players important experience of the format.”

What will it mean to play the 50-over derby at the Cooper Associates County Ground?

“It’s always an exciting opportunity when the girls get to play here at Somerset, “Kieran said. “It’s something that all the players really value and look forward to. It’s even more exciting that it’s the local derby. The girls will really cherish the opportunity and it’s a game that we can’t wait for.”