Star makes move to Victoria

The Commonwealth Bank VicSpirit have pulled off a major coup, signing Southern Stars opener Nicole Bolton ahead of the 2014-15 season.

Bolton, who led the WNCL run scoring with the Alcohol Think Again Western Fury last season, will join a powerful batting unit in Victoria with Commonwealth Bank Southern Stars Elyse Villani, Jess Cameron and Meg Lanning also likely to slot into the top four.

“I've enjoyed playing with these girls at an Australian level and I'm looking forward to continuing it at a state level,” Bolton said.

“I think I can bring a lot of experience to the group, having played a lot of state cricket from an early age as well as the leadership qualities that I've developed over time from captaining the Western Fury.”

The reigning WNCL player of the year and two-time Zoe Goss Medallist (awarded to WA’s most outstanding female cricketer) tallied 2227 runs across 98 matches with the Fury, taking over as captain ahead of the 2011-12 season.

“I’d like to thank the WACA for everything they have done for me,” Bolton said.

“Specifically my team mates who I have shared a lot of memories with and who have been a big part of me for so many years.”

With 371 runs at an average of 61.83 last season Bolton’s presence with the bat will be sorely missed by the Fury, with the side’s next-best run-scorer Kate Blackwell managing 205 runs at 34.17.

"It is extremely disappointing for the Western Fury and for the future of women's cricket in Western Australia,” said Western Fury coach Stephen Jenkin.

“But we wish her well in her new endeavours and life in Victoria.

"The work she's done with myself over the past two years and the Fury for many years has been tremendous

"She will be missed."

Bolton’s Southern Stars T20 captain Lanning has been elevated to skipper of both the WNCL and WT20 sides for 2014-15, replacing Kelly Applebee and Emma Inglis respectively.

Commonwealth Bank VicSpirit 2014-15 squad

Kelly Applebee

Kristen Beams

Briana Binch

Nicole Bolton

Jess Cameron

Sarah Elliott

Kathleen Hempenstall

Julie Hunter

Emma Inglis

Emma Kearney

Kirsty Lamb

Anna Lanning

Meg Lanning (C)

Emily McIntyre

Molly Strano

Elyse Villani