BOWLER Freya Davies, all-rounder Mary Taylor, and wicketkeeper Rhianna Southby will all remain at Utilita Bowl as part of Hampshire’s women’s team.

The trio all played for Southern Vipers in 2024 as the side reached the semi-finals of both the Charlotte Edwards Cup and Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy.

Davies featured 35 times for England and took 33 wickets, whilst Taylor is an up-and-coming fast bowler who has competed in five matches for England Under-19s.

Southby is much touted for future England honours and was selected on England A’s tour of New Zealand in early 2024.

Davies said: “I loved my season with Southern Vipers earlier this year, and I’m pleased to remain at Utilita Bowl as part of the new structure with Hampshire.

“We have a great group here and hopefully I can contribute to bringing some silverware back to Utilita Bowl next summer.”

Born in Chichester, Davies made her county debut for Sussex against Middlesex in 2010 before featuring for Western Storm in the Kia Super League in 2016.

She played for South East Stars in women’s domestic cricket from 2020-23, where she claimed 24 wickets in 27 appearances, and claimed 27 wickets with Southern Vipers in 2024.

Taylor added: “I'm thrilled to be able to continue playing cricket within the new structure and even more delighted to be representing Hampshire.

“To be able to work with such a wonderful group of people and call the Utilita bowl home is amazing.”

Fast bowler Taylor claimed two wickets on her debut for Southern Vipers in the 2022 Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy eliminator.

In her first The Hundred game for Southern Brave, aged 18, Taylor took 3-18 in 20 balls against Trent Rockets as she played in place of Lauren Bell.

Also a threat with the bat in hand, Taylor scored a T20 century against West Indies U19s in 2024, and also made 82 off 47 balls for Southern Vipers 2nd XI.

Southby added: “I am really excited to have signed for Hampshire. It’s felt like home to me since moving to Utilita Bowl in 2022.”

Southby, 23, moved to Utilita Bowl ahead of the 2023 season and quickly settled into life on the south coast for Southern Vipers in 2024.

Southby claimed the second-most dismissals (catches and stumpings) of any ‘keeper in the country with 23, and the most in the Charlotte Edwards Cup with 14.