Young bowlers Fenton and Codyre earn their first domestic contracts with Wellington Blaze

The 17-year-old Codyre was previously selected in the inaugural New Zealand Under-19 squad and played seven matches for the Blaze during the Hallyburton Johnstone Shield last season. She was impressive in age-group tournament finishing as the second-highest wicket-taker during New Zealand’s National Women’s Under 19 competition. Meanwhile, 22-year-old Fenton is yet to make her debut for the Blaze but has shown promise in the domestic circuit in Wellington.

Wellington Blaze head coach, Lance Dry said he is happy with the depth of talent in and around the squad. “It’s always exciting to offer players domestic contracts and it represents a reward for all the hard work that they’ve put in over the winter,” he said. “It’s also really pleasing to be able to offer two new players domestic contracts for the first time in Rose and Tash.”

Blaze finished second-last in the previous season of HBJ Trophy, only winning four of their encounters in the entire season. Dry believes these new inclusions will benefit the side in the long run. “We have a strong international contingent and that has freed up space for players who have proven themselves at the club and representative level for Wellington and that can only be good for the future of this squad,” he added.



Alongside the above mentioned players, Rebecca Burns will mark her return to the side, after spending a year as a New Zealand development contracted player. Georgia Plimmer, who has played alongside Codyre in the New Zealand Under-19s set-up, has an opportunity to become the regular player for the Blaze with her contract extension.

Coach Dry also spoke about the need to play regular cricket and the impact the robust pathways system can have on the player’s development. “To continue their development, we need our players playing regular cricket, whether that’s with their clubs, at representative level, or with the Blaze."

“Rose’s selection on the domestic contract list shows the opportunities for players who perform well at club level and we’re looking forward to seeing how she develops as a player over the coming season.”

Contracted players: Rebecca Burns, Natasha Codyre, Deanna Doughty. Rose Fenton, Xara Jetly, Caitlin King, Beth Molony, Georgia Plimmer, Maneka Singh