HAMPSHIRE may not be at T20 Finals Day for the first time in seven years, but they have Romsey teenager Katie George in the Kia Super League’s inaugural final.

The Southern Vipers starlet is preparing for the biggest day of her career as the only local girl in the squad.

She celebrated her first wicket for the Ageas Bowl-based side, a stumping off her penultimate delivery, as they secured their place in the final by beating Loughborough Lightning last Sunday.

Now she is preparing for the final against either Loughborough or Western Storm, at Chelmsford tomorrow (3pm).

Charlotte Edwards, the Vipers’ former England captain, has described her as the team’s “surprise package” and the stats show why.

The 17 year-old left-armer will go into the final as the competition’s third-most economical bowler (4.87) - just behind teammates Linsey Smith (4.33) and New Zealand international Morna Nielsen (4.51) - with an aggregate of 1-39 from the eight overs she has bowled in her three appearances.

It is a fine achievement all the more impressive given George only started playing cricket six years ago.

Her love affair with the game began when her twin brother Tom, a talented wicketkeeper at Old Tauntonians & Romsey CC, took it up when they were 11.

The former Mountbatten schoolgirl also flourished with the help of her dad Tim’s back-garden coaching and Tom was a source of protection when she joined him at OTs and Romsey.

“I was the only girl so my brother was very helpful,” smiles the former Mountbatten schoolgirl, who once took 7 for 2 for OTs & Romsey 3rds.

“I’ve always had a fight to prove myself, especially when I started. Naturally there was a bit of scepticism.”

Katie thrived on the sledging. “One said ‘why are you playing? You should be in the kitchen!’ But that was after bowling him out first ball!

“It bugged me to start with but my team backed me up and I gradually got more respect.

“It doesn’t bother me now, I’m quite good at shutting it out and concentrating on my game.”

Katie was soon playing for the OTs & Romsey’s 2nd XI in the Hampshire League’s top flight.

“I’ve learnt a lot from playing men’s cricket, that’s why I don’t play for a ladies side other than for Hampshire.

“Boys hit different areas which helped get my slower balls going.

“I got more success [against boys] because they tried to hit me as far as they could. Girls wouldn’t try to clear the fielders on the boundary.”

Daily Echo:

Katie George in Southern Vipers action (Dave Vokes Photography)

Katie credits Hampshire Women’s coach Ron Hodgson for much of her development, which was accelerated as a member of last year’s Under-19s England Women’s Programme for fast bowlers in South Africa.

An all-rounder in every sense, she was an England U15 footballer before giving up her career as a goalkeeper/striker for Portsmouth Ladies FC to concentrate on her cricket this year.

“I love both sports so it was difficult for the first couple of months, but I had to make the choice,” continues the Taunton's College A-level student.

“At the moment cricket is going better and I’ve been more focused on it so it was a natural step.

"I used to train with Portsmouth every Tuesday and Thursday but now I can devote that time to cricket and hopefully improve as much as I can.”

The decision has paid off. Katie excelled on her Vipers debut with figures of 0-13 from four overs, including a maiden, against the Surrey Stars three weeks ago.

“It’s a great experience - Charlotte Edwards coached me when I was 13 and now I’m playing alongside her!

“To have her at mid-off when I’m walking back to my mark is just amazing.

“There’s a wealth of experience to learn from alongside the likes of [New Zealand duo] Suzie Bates and Sara McGlashan.

“I’m trying to learn as much as I can but at the same time I’m trying to perform.

“I feel like I’ve got a lot to contribute and in the games I’ve played I feel like I’ve done well.

“It’s the first time I’ve had real pressure, suddenly bowling against internationals I’ve seen playing in the World Cup.

“Coming up against [Australia’s] Ellyse Perry, for example, was a great challenge.”

Like her dad (and Hampshire’s Liam Dawson), Katie bats right-handed despite bowling left-handed.

But bowling is her stronger suit (she swings it both ways) and her ambition knows no bounds.

“I want to get in the England women’s side and the dream is to be the best bowler in the world.”