Student shines for Oval Invincibles in women's Hundred

A Monmouth schoolgirl is making a name for herself in her debut season in the women's Hundred cricket competition.

Seventeen-year-old Sophia Smale, a late injury replacement, has claimed some major scalps and is proving an outstanding role model for her school, Monmouth School for Girls. 

On her Hundred debut for Oval Invincibles, against Northern Superchargers at The Kia Oval, Sophia captured the scalp of Alyssa Healy with her third delivery and finished with figures of 1-25. 

Three days later, Sophia added international regulars Danni Wyatt and Tahlia McGrath to her list of victims. She conceded a single four on her way to team-leading figures of 2-12. 

Sophia, a left-arm spinner, made it three strong performances against Trent Rockets.  She conceded just four runs off her first set before dismissing Bryony Smith off the 16th delivery of the innings.  

Sophia has represented Wales through the age-groups, was selected to train with England's academy coaches as early as 2019, won a gold medal at the School Games National Finals in 2021 and was one of 14 players chosen for the inaugural Western Storm Academy.  

Sophia made her senior debut for Western Storm in May, chipping in with three valuable runs at the end to help see her side to a one-wicket win over Sunrisers off the final delivery of the match. 

She completed her debut Charlotte Edwards Cup campaign with four wickets in five appearances and then snapped up two wickets in four matches in the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy. 

At the end of July, Sophia earned a late call-up to The Hundred, picked up by the Invincibles as a replacement for Emma Jones, and is now showcasing her talents on television screens and in front of big crowds.