Alice Clarke and Grace Johnson sign first professional contracts
Lancashire Thunder is delighted to announce that Alice Clarke and Grace Johnson have signed their first professional contracts with the Club ahead of the 2025 season.
Wicketkeeper and top-order batter Clarke – who has previously held a pay as you play contract with Lancashire Thunder – has put pen-to-paper on a one-year deal at Emirates Old Trafford.
Clarke has made six senior appearances for Lancashire Thunder, including five during the 2024 season, with her top score of 41 coming during the final match of the season win over Western Storm.
The 23-year-old from Accrington CC has also played Under 15s, Under 17s and senior cricket for Lancashire and Clarke also impressed during her time in the Thunder Academy before moving into the senior set-up.
Johnson becomes the 11th graduate from the Thunder Academy to sign a professional contract, being rewarded with a two-year deal following a breakthrough campaign in 2024, which saw the all-rounder make her senior debut before being named Young Player of the Year.
Johnson also captained Lancashire U18s to national double success this year and played a major role with both bat and ball. She scored 1,286 runs across all Lancashire and Thunder cricket combined during the 2024 season and took 61 wickets.
19-year-old Johnson started playing junior club cricket at Lowerhouse CC before moving to Ramsbottom Ladies in 2022.
Alice Clarke said: “It is a proud moment to sign my first professional contract with Lancashire Thunder and I am looking forward to the opportunity which lies ahead.
“It was brilliant to play some First Team cricket in the regional competitions last season, now I want to push on and hopefully cement my place in side for 2025.”
Grace Johnson commented: “I am really pleased to have signed my first professional contract with Lancashire Thunder, coming off the back of a breakthrough season which saw me make my First Team debut and also win the Young Player of the Year Award.
“I would like to say thank you to Eric Howarth and everyone at Lowerhouse CC, everyone at Ramsbottom CC and all those at Lancashire Thunder who have been a massive help and support in my journey to reach this point.”
Director of Cricket Performance David Thorley added: “I would like to congratulate both Alice and Grace on signing their first professional contracts - what I am sure is an incredibly proud achievement for their families and all who have played a part in their cricket journeys so far.
“Alice has been in and around our set-up for a while now and it was great to see her kick on last season, play regular First Team cricket during the second half of the campaign and really improve her game to earn this contract.
“For Grace, to make her First Team debut aged just 19, was a brilliant achievement after becoming the latest young player to progress through the Thunder Academy. We are excited by the prospect of her continued development over the next couple of years and beyond.”
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