The Blaze have been further bolstered ahead of the regional restructure with Ella Claridge and Cassidy McCarthy both signing two year deals.
The pair add to the eight members of the playing squad who have already renewed their contracts this year, building on the success of a Charlotte Edwards Cup title on the back of two consecutive white-ball finals.
Claridge has been a regular face in both the T20 and 50-over formats, having played in every match so far in 2024.
Part of the team which beat Central Sparks and South East Stars on Charlotte Edwards Cup Finals Day in Derby, she finished the semi-final unbeaten at the crease alongside Josie Groves.
The 21-year-old also deputised for Sarah Bryce with the gloves in the opening stages of the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy, claiming five dismissals behind the stumps before scoring a List A best of 71 in the win against Western Storm.
“I’m really happy to continue my stay here,” Claridge said.
“Especially having made contributions to wins this season, I think I am growing and developing as a player and that confidence is playing out on the pitch.
“It’s a good feeling to know that what you’re doing is helping the side to be successful, and ultimately I want to keep continuing to push for titles with this team.
“We’ve done well to achieve the success that we have across the last two seasons and with so many of us staying next year, we’re on the same page in thinking it can continue into the future.”
McCarthy, 22, joined The Blaze (previously Lightning) in 2022 having come through the Southern Vipers and Sussex Women academies.
The right-arm quick has 18 career List A appearances to her name.
“I’ve really enjoyed my time at The Blaze so far and I’m delighted to have the chance to continue my development here,” McCarthy said.
“I’m always striving to make positive contributions and I feel like I’m getting the backing to become a better player.
“With every opportunity I get I’m trying to soak up what I can, and learn from those around me to be the best I can be.
“It’s a really good environment and I can’t wait to see what the next few years has in store.”
Securing the future services of both Claridge and McCarthy forms another important piece of business for The Blaze's Head Coach, Chris Guest.
“We feel that maintaining continuity is going to be really important moving forwards, given the success we have achieved in the last 18 months,” he said.
“Both Cass and Ella are incredibly talented young players but with room still to grow, and that’s what is most exciting for us as a coaching team.
“Ella has been a very important cog in the middle-order and has stepped up on multiple occasions this year.
“We also know that she, Sarah Bryce and Scarlett Hughes will push each other on in the wicket-keeping department which will make all three of them better players.
“Cass is an exciting bowler who has a point of difference with her pace. She is champing at the bit to play as much cricket as possible, which is exactly what you look for in a young player.
“Her attitude is second to none, and I have no doubt she’ll make the most of the chances she is given over the next couple of years.”