Grace Ballinger column: The Blaze bowler excited for new season

The women’s One-Day Cup welcomes a new side into Tier 1 this summer, Yorkshire, who were previously competing in the level below. They will play in the professional league for the first time.

This takes Tier 1 from an eight-team competition to a nine-team one, leading to sides missing a round of fixtures while everyone else plays against each other.

For the Blaze, this has fallen on the first round of fixtures. While every other team will start their season on Saturday, we will wait a few days longer, opening our account on the 15 April at home against Lancashire.

At first I was unsure how to feel about this. Naturally we are eager to kick-start our campaign and get into the season.

However, since seeing the weekend forecast of a gusty and cold Saturday in West Bridgford, waiting a few extra days doesn’t feel too much of a chore.

I love playing at Trent Bridge and calling it home. Previously, we have played our fixtures all around the East Midlands, however this season marks a huge increase in our fixtures at the historical ground.

Six out of eight home One-Day Cup games are at Trent Bridge, with two at our fond alternative ground Chesterfield, whilst all six T20 Blast home games are based there.

All are double headers alongside Nottinghamshire Outlaws.

There are a few wrongs to put to right for us this season. Last year, by our own standards, was in many ways a disappointing one.

Despite reaching all three semi-finals in the One-Day Cup, Vitality Blast and County Cup, we didn’t manage to progress any further.

This is certainly something we will look to rectify this summer, with strong desire to bring silverware back to Trent Bridge.