Paige Scholfield says that she is so happy at the Stars that she “didn’t even bother looking” elsewhere, after Surrey announced her as one of their second group of signings for the 2025 season.
Scholfield, who moved to South East Stars from the Southern Vipers two years ago, was likely to be in high demand among the counties – especially after scoring three half-centuries in the first five rounds of the Charlotte Edwards Cup.
But in an exclusive interview with CRICKETher in the wake of Stars’ 6-wicket win against Sunrisers at Lord’s, she said that she had refused to even countenance a move elsewhere.
“I’ve found my home,” she said. “I’ve really enjoyed the environment – Mybs [Coach Johann Myburgh], Stevo [Assistant Coach Darren Stevens], the whole lot.”
“I’ve had such a great time here with the Stars and I want to stay a part of that. I couldn’t be prouder to call Surrey my home.”
Scholfield declined to confirm the exact terms of her deal, but CRICKETher understands that Surrey have offered multi-year contracts to a number of Stars players, including captain Bryony Smith, who was unveiled at the weekend as the county’s first signing.
Scholfield added: “This is my family now and I’ll be staying here for a long time.”
On Thursday at Lord’s, Scholfield fully justified the faith of the powers-that-be at Surrey, striking a 35-ball half-century as Stars beat Sunrisers to go top of the table in the Charlotte Edwards Cup.
Scholfield personally sealed the deal by smashing back-to-back boundaries down the ground off the final two balls of the run-chase, to ensure she simultaneously reached her personal milestone and secured the win.
In another coup for Surrey, Alexa Stonehouse – who had also been announced as a Surrey signing on the morning of the match – took two wickets in her opening three overs, including the huge scalp of Grace Scrivens, as Sunrisers were reduced to 27 for four by the end of the powerplay and never quite recovered.
As Stars slowly but steadily morph seamlessly into Surrey – with more signings from the current squad expected to be announced over the coming days – the county will be well-pleased with their day’s work.
CRICKETher 