Nadine de Klerk was crowned Player of the Year at The Blaze’s inaugural Awards Dinner at Trent Bridge, with the overseas all-rounder amongst four winners on the evening. 

The South African, who was with The Blaze until the start of The Hundred in August, impressed with bat and ball in the East Midlands, claiming 30 wickets in 17 games across both formats, in addition to crucial late middle order runs. 

Meanwhile, left-arm seamer Grace Ballinger was named Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy Player of the Year, Sarah Glenn Charlotte Edwards Cup Player of the Year, and Flora Davies Academy Player of the Year.

Academy Player of the Year - Flora Davies

Flora Davies may have been a late addition to The Blaze’s Academy after impressing in the early stages of the new year’s Emerging Player Pathway, but she more than made her presence felt in 2023. 

In total, the right hander averaged 25 across the regional academy friendlies and competitive fixtures, with a commendable limited overs strike rate of 71.2.

The 15-year-old also mustered three half centuries in the middle order across the course of the season, including a high score of 83. 

 

Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy Player of the Year - Grace Ballinger

Grace Ballinger posed endless problems with her left arm swing in the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy, collecting 18 wickets across her 13 games including twice taking four wickets. 

More impressive still, she recorded an economy of just 4.19 despite often bowling in the powerplay. 

Her best bowling innings - 4-54 - came in the group stage loss to South East Stars, while she partnered Nadine de Klerk to dismiss Northern Diamonds for just 62 in Durham with figures of 3-23 off nine as the hosts were dismissed inside 19 overs. 

 

Charlotte Edwards Cup Player of the Year - Sarah Glenn

England leg-spinner Glenn contributed with bat and ball across the course of the Charlotte Edwards Cup, with an enviable economy of 5.33 in the T20 format. 

Her six wickets in five games make clear the wariness with which opposition approached facing the 24-year-old - many content to see off the wrist spinner in an attempt to cash in elsewhere. 

She averaged 16 in the tournament with a strike rate of 18, and was one of only eight bowlers to bowl a maiden in the tournament. 

At the crease, she returned 81 runs in five innings, twice finishing unbeaten including a best score of 43 not out in a win against Sunrisers.

 

Overall Player of the Season - Nadine de Klerk

Nadine de Klerk proved her worth in the early stages of her Blaze stint, taking two wickets on debut before guiding her side to a three wicket victory with an unbeaten 25 against Sunrisers. 

Her stocks improved further still with a remarkable return of 7-33 against Northern Diamonds, the best figures in women's domestic List A cricket. 

In all, she totalled 13 wickets across seven 50 over games before turning her attention to the shortest format. 

Appearing eight times, the South African took 15 wickets at 11.40 to finish as the Charlotte Edwards Cup’s top wicket taker.