BEA Willis, who has signed her first professional contract with Somerset after impressing on the Academy, is enjoying her time as a full time cricketer.

“I feel I’ve fitted into the group and I’m really enjoying my time here,” she said. “It’s a really good environment to be a part of and I can’t wait to start contributing and helping others as they’ve helped me. It’s definitely been a good experience so far.

“I’ve already got some close friends in the squad like Erin Vukusic. She’s really helped me to settle into the environment. I’ve also grown up playing cricket with Ruby Davis so it’s nice to be here with her.

Regarding the pre-season fitness work, Bea said: “S&C could be a bit daunting, but I really enjoy pushing myself. I feel good if I’m tired at the end of the day because it means that I’m pushing myself to get to new levels. That makes me really excited for the summer because then I’ll be able to see all this hard work pay off.”

How is Bea enjoying working with the new coach Erin Osborne? “I really like her fresh perspective and she’s really approachable. She’s pushing to make this a learning environment. She wants us to learn and adapt and get better. I’m really enjoying that approach.”

What is the right-arm seamer hoping for in 2026? “I want to make my debut. I’m really looking forward to the day that happens. Success will be finding my footing in the professional environment, but I really want to be able to make an impact for the team on the pitch.

“We’re all really working together. We’ve been discussing what our strengths are as a team and who we are as Somerset. It’s really exciting to be creating that identity and to be able to be a part of that.”