WICKET keeper Rhianna Southby has signed a one-year contract extension with Southern Vipers which sees the 22 year old remain in orange and black until at least the end of the 2024 season. 

Having joined from South East Stars in the winter of 2022, Southby was awarded a six-month contract for the duration of the summer of 2023, with her glovework and wicket-keeping skills being widely praised. 

In just 14 matches for the Vipers, she has taken 10 catches and five stumpings – the third most of any keeper in the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy. 

Southby was part of both squads that saw the Vipers complete a historic double, winning both the Charlotte Edwards Cup and Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy to become the first regional team to complete the feat, although she didn’t feature in an XI for the CEC.

Speaking after signing her contract extension, Southby said: “I am very excited to receive a contract extension with the Southern Vipers.

I feel very lucky to be a part of such a talented and successful group of cricketers and staff. I can’t wait to get back out there, and hopefully next season will be as good as our last.”

Adam Carty, regional director of women’s cricket, added: “Rhianna has proved to be one of the genuine breakthrough players of the summer across the domestic women’s scene, and we are very pleased and excited that her time to shine came whilst wearing orange & black. 

“She’s been a breath of fresh air around the group this past 12 months, and her professionalism has proven to be first class.

"To award Rhi with a contract extension was one of the easiest decisions we had the pleasure of making across a season that’s been full of tough calls.

“We are sure there are more showcase days to come for Rhi with gloves and the bat within the elite domestic game and maybe beyond.”