The Tasmanian Tigers will be looking to continue their success in the Women’s National Cricket League following three successive titles, and are excited to announce two key re-signings ahead of next season.
Hayley Silver-Holmes is one of the youngest players on the Tigers list and has been a key component of the Tigers program since moving from NSW in 2021.
The Tigers have re-signed Silver-Holmes for another two seasons, keeping their young core together as they seek a fourth title in a row.
“I am looking forward to pushing myself to great levels while playing exciting and entertaining cricket as we aim to win another title!” exclaimed Silver-Holmes.
Injuries hindered Silver-Holmes’ opportunities when she moved to Tasmania as a 17-year-old in 2021-22, but she found a home last season with the new ball for the Tigers.
Taking 12 wickets, with best figures of 3/26 against Western Australia, Silver-Holmes made huge strides last season, resulting in her selection in the Australia A – ‘Green vs Gold’ game.
This selection was a great reward for the effort she had put into other components of her game.
Last season, Silver-Holmes had her career-top score in the WNCL of 43 off 52 against Western Australia, in an innings that included seven boundaries, showcasing her lower-order batting skill.
Head Coach of the Tasmanian Tigers, Jude Coleman, discussed her excitement as Silver-Holmes continues to improve every season.
“It’s been a pleasure working with Hails for the last few seasons, she shows great dedication to being a professional cricketer.
“She is only scratching the surface at how good she can become, and to have such experience at only 20 years of age, is exciting for everyone involved in the Tigers organisation,” said Coleman.
Lauren Smith joined Tasmania from the New South Wales last season and made herself at home in the Tigers line-up early on.
She has re-signed for a further two seasons with the Tigers, following a career-best year in the WNCL in Tasmania.
“I can’t believe I have been down in Tasmania for a year already, I couldn’t have enjoyed my time more on and off the field with this group of players and staff.
“Being offered a two-year deal, I couldn’t be more grateful for the opportunity to keep evolving and growing my cricket, but also know this organisation believes in me, I can’t wait to see what this team can do these next few years!” said Smith.
Debuting for NSW in 2014 as a teenager, Smith established herself as a young and up-and-coming talent of Australian cricket, taking 4/36 in her debut match.
In a career-best season, Smith took 18 wickets throughout the 2023-24 summer, one more than Tasmania’s next-best bowler Molly Strano, who took 17 wickets.
The Tigers will be hoping for a similar output from Smith in the coming season, as she familiarises herself further with Tasmanian conditions.
In a crucial matchup against Western Australia, when Tasmania was trying to lock a home final, Smith came to the crease at 6-145 and only 15 overs remaining.
She made 37 off 48 balls with six fours before taking 2/29 in the fielding innings to help ensure Tasmania played the WNCL on home soil once again.
Head Coach, Jude Coleman, spoke of Smith’s professionalism and character since joining the Tigers.
“Loz has been a breath of fresh air since arriving in Tasmania at the start of last season, her ability to bring the team together on and off the field has been crucial in helping our squad win our third straight title last season.
“She is a real game changer and can take over a match in all three facets of the game, to have her playing for Tasmania for another two seasons is an exciting prospect,” discussed Coleman.
Silver-Holmes and Smith join several Tigers players announced over the past few weeks, as more contract announcements continue to be shared with Tigers fans soon.