Northern Diamonds assistant coach Kyle Coetzer says he is “really excited” by the addition of Sophia Turner to the region’s fast bowling ranks.

Turner, 20-years-old, was signed from Thunder in November after a two-game loan spell at Headingley at the end of last season.

She claimed a wicket in each of her appearances in blue, both in the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy, and she demonstrated enough ability and promise for the region to offer her a more permanent stay on the right side of the Pennines.

Picture by Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com. Sophia Turner (third from right) celebrates a wicket whilst on loan with the Diamonds in September.

Turner, a product of the Read club, boosts a seam bowling group currently boasting Grace Hall, Beth Langston, Lizzie Scott, Rachel Slater and Jess Woolston.  

“The one thing that really stood out was how quickly she integrated into our group. It was seamless,” said Coetzer, reflecting on Turner’s loan spell.

“She did pretty well with the ball and picked up a couple of important wickets, and she’s a useful batter at the same time as well.

“She will strengthen our squad but also create some more healthy competition. 

“That can make it challenging for the coaches to pick the team, but that’s really important because you want each player to be pushing the others.”

Kyle Coetzer

Picture by Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com. Diamonds assistant coach Kyle Coetzer.

In all, Turner has played five competitive regional 50-over fixtures for Thunder and Diamonds since August 2020, taking four wickets.

She has also played 23 career T20 fixtures – the first of which came in 2021 – for the Northern Representative XI, Thunder and Lancashire, claiming 15 wickets and hitting one half-century. 

“I’m really excited to see what she can do this summer,” said Coetzer. 

“She has the ability to hit the seam and move the ball around. If you can do that, you will always be a threat to any batter. 

“She will add a slightly different dimension to our attack, and hopefully there’s significant improvement in her as well. That’s what she’ll want, I’m sure.”

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