YELVERTON cricketer Steph Hutchins is hoping to whip up a storm in her sporting career after signing for one of the UK’s most famous women’s teams.

Steph has signed a semi-professional contract with Western Storm, home of England cricket captain and world cup winner Heather Knight.

The 21-year-old, who turns 22 in a few weeks’ time, came to the notice of Storm selectors during a series of trials held by the club in Bristol.

The off-spinner, who specialises in bowling, has already taken part in the Rachel Heyhoe trophy where her new team just missed out on reaching the final.

So, does Steph want to follow in the footsteps of Heather Knight, who was awarded the OBE after her England side won the 2017 Women’s World Cup in a dramatic final against India?

According to dad Gary, Steph is keeping her feet firmly on the ground despite signing her contract with Storm.

She has worked her way gradually up the ranks of women’s cricket almost by accident.

She bowled her first ball at Yelverton Cricket Club at the tender age of just 11 after visiting the club with her brother where her dad plays.

He said: ‘Steph used to be a footballer and a horserider, then she went to her local club with her brother and just played with the kids there. She was spotted there by Devon County and went to a trial for under-13s and got in. Then she broke her arm and missed the rest of the season.

‘She’s always been a sporty person and gives it her all, but then she seemed to fall out of love with the game a little. She didn’t seem to be getting anywhere at Yelverton, but got into the Western Storm development side and represented England in a couple of academy matches, but didn’t seem to be getting anywhere there, either.

‘Then she got the chance to go to Australia, thanks to Warren Carr, the Devon Women’s coach, who set it all up and she had the time of her life. She came back a different person.

‘She was playing for a team in Melbourne – it should have been for six months, but because of coronavirus, she ended up over there for about ten months. She hadn’t seen much of the country, but went to stay with a friend she made over there in Darwin, where she was locked down for three months.’

He added: ‘To sign a contract for Western Storm is something that has been a goal of hers for some time.

‘She’d love to play for England Ladies, but at the moment she’s concentrating on getting as many games as she can for Western Storm.’