We are extremely proud to announce that our hugely talented all-rounder Eve O’Neill was selected to represent the Southern Vipers Academy in a T20 double header against South East Stars Academy at Chipstead CC today (Wednesday 25 May).
14-year-old Eve, who won the Calmore Sports 3rd XI bowler of the year in 2021 and also scored 1,000 runs and took 100 wickets for her Women’s club Hursley Park last season too, will wear the famous orange and black for the first time.
Her progress has come on leaps and bounds, making her 2nd XI debut this season in County Division 3 South and now this selection shows the class of this special player.
Senior Regional Talent Manager for the Southern Vipers, Ian Cox, said on her selection; “Due to school exams, a number of the Southern Vipers Academy squad are unavailable for this game which gives an opportunity for some of our regions younger players to showcase their skills at this level.
“One of these players is 14 year old, Eve O’Neill. Eve has spent the winter working within the Hampshire pathway alongside the Counties EPP program and she has also been identified as a Vipers ‘Player of Interest’, having attended monthly sessions with regional coaches over the winter.
“Eve’s skill and attitude over this period has impressed and has earned her subsequent selection for this week’s game.”
Her selection comes off the back of a fine 35 off 48 balls playing for Hampshire Under 15s last Saturday alongside another Calmore product Ella Cruise Cotter (who scored 7 and took 0-10 from her four overs) before taking 1-26 in five overs in Middlesex’s response.
And she didn’t disappoint on her debut either – claiming Lockhart for her first wicket in Vipers colours caught by Cassidy McCarthy before ripping two beautiful leg-breaks past the advancing Stonehouse and Spence which keeper Ariana Dowse collected for easy stumpings to finish with more than impressive figures of 3/32 from her four overs.
Club captain Mark Lavelle also offered his congratulations to the player who loves her cricket so much that her club shirt number of 64 is the total of those numbers worn by former England captain and Vipers coach Charlotte Edwards (11), former New Zealand captain Suzie Bates (23) and ex-England wicket-keeper Sarah Taylor (30). “It is fantastic news and thoroughly deserved for Eve. Her dedication and commitment towards cricket is infectious.
“Over the last couple of years she has performed incredibly in Junior cricket for the club as well as spinning the 3rd XI to their league title last season!
“So far this year she has made her 2nd team debut and the sky really is the limit for Eve.
“This is another big step onto the girls and womens pathway for her and I know everyone will be wishing her all the best. Enjoy it and do what you always do, play with a smile on your face!”
The skipper also wanted to give a special credit to those who have helped her on the road to this selection. “A big mention must be given to all of the voluntary junior coaches at the club who have played a part in Eve’s development. I know she also puts in the hard extra hours with Hibby and I’m sure Mum and Dad – Dawn and Mike – will be as proud as punch for Eve and it makes the hours travelling to all corners of the country worthwhile! Go well Eve, the whole of Calmore is behind you!”
Eve celebrates her third wicket with Freya Kemp and keeper Ariana Dowse
Many congratulations Eve. We, at Calmore Sports Club, are truly thrilled that you have been recognised and we wish you every success in this game and in future ones.
#OneOfUs #FTM #FutureStar
