Somerset confirm bid for tier-one women's team ahead of deadline

Chief executive Gordon Hollins wants the club "to be at the 'top table" of the women's game" but predicts challenges during any transition

Somerset are the latest side to confirm they are bidding for a tier-one women's team but accept any transition would be layered with multiple challenges.

The Taunton county, following the likes of Surrey and Kent, have confirmed their intentions ahead of the March 10 deadline, promising the "strongest bid possible".

Western Storm have been partnered with Somerset, Gloucestershire and Glamorgan since their formation in 2016.

Meanwhile, Somerset women, formed in 1953, are four-time County Championship Division Two winners and can count former England quick Anya Shrubsole among their finest products.

Ownership of eight regional teams, founded ahead of the truncated 2020 season, is up for grabs ahead of 2025 when they return to county ownership.

Despite their commitment, Somerset have raised concerns over the prospect of the venture, centrally around resources and finance. The invitation to tender says each county will be provided with a minimum of £1.3m during the initial four-year term - but support beyond this period is uncertain.

Western Storm, former in 2016 and now a domestic regional hub, are partnered with Gloucestershire and Glamorgan (Harry Trump/Getty Images)

Gordon Hollins, who is soon to be replaced as CEO by Jamie Cox at the end of March (Harry Trump/Getty Images)

"The growth of women's sport, including cricket, has been significant in recent years, and that is predicted to continue. It is therefore important for Somerset to be at the 'top table' of the women's game in order to capitalise on this growth, and more importantly, to progress Somerset County Cricket Club's ambition to 'Inspire the South-West through cricket'.

"Inevitably, when any club goes through the type of transformation that will take place if Somerset is successful in acquiring Tier 1 status, there will be challenges. These include facilities, resources, and finance.

"Regardless, it is our view that the clubs that prosper in the future will be those that have men's and women's professional teams.

"We will therefore be submitting the strongest bid possible to ensure that the growth of the women's game continues across the whole of the region with Somerset as the epicentre."

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