The Making up of Foundation to Silverware: Glamorgan Women Ahead of Crucial Season

Last season marked a significant step forward. Glamorgan were dominant in the Metro Bank One Day Cup League Two, bouncing back from an early setback to put together a seven-match winning run. Their ability to post big totals and control games highlighted a well-structured side with depth in both batting and bowling. However, the knockout stages exposed an important area for growth, with defeats in key matches underlining the challenge of maintaining the same level of execution under pressure. While the ambition is clear, so too is the understanding of what it will take to get there.

Competition across the league is expected to remain high. For Glamorgan, the emphasis will be on staying process-driven, maintaining their approach regardless of the situation, particularly in knockout fixtures where they fell to a strong Yorkshire side (now in Tier One) in the semi-final and final in both the 50-over and 20-over competitions.

A strong core continues to shape the side. Lauren Parfitt remains central with her consistency and leadership, Bethan Gammon adds experience from her time at The Blaze, she demonstrated with dominance as top run-scorer last season. With the ball, Gemma Porter (who is also a very capable batter) returns after a successful loan spell which brought her the club player of the season accolade.

Glamorgan utilised the loan system particularly well in 2025, a strategy they plan to bring success again in their final season in Tier Two. The aforementioned Porter will have a strong case for a professional contract in south Wales next season while top-order batter Daisy Mullan joins from Lancashire after a one-match loan last season. Scottish international All-rounder Megan McColl also joins the squad on a permanent basis after a spell with Northants in Tier Two in 2025.

Wicket-keeper Megan Struge (Hampshire) played in the side’s only warm-up game against Gloucestershire, presenting a possibility for competition behind the stumps with the captain’s sister, Georgia Parfitt, on a rotational loan basis. Other loan signings include Bethan Ellis who will play on a rotational basis with her parent club, Warwickshire. And 19-year-old seam bowler Charlotte Lambert is on a full-season loan from Surrey.

More loan signings can be made throughout the season on long or short-term basis; the stand-out performance in one game from Surrey’s Emma Jones with 147 not out and three wickets - a showcase of the importance the earnest professionals can bring.

Ultimately, 2026 represents the next phase in Glamorgan Women’s development. Competition for places will be high in both formats. Loan players will demonstrate what is needed to be a Tier One professional which Glamorgan will need to look to next year; something Rachel Priest is already viewing with upmost importance. Meanwhile the academy will keep an eye on those for the future or those currently playing with Gloucestershire (such as captain Liv Daniels, and England under-19 Prarthana Reddy) and those with Wiltshire in Tier Three, too.

The foundations have been laid, the belief is there, and the challenge now is to deliver when it matters most.

Predicted XI Metro Bank 50-over Women’s League Two fixture vs Gloucestershire (H), Sunday, April 12:

1. Lauren Parfitt ©

2. Flo Sharman

3. Bethan Ellis

4. Bethan Gammon

5. Bea Ellis

6. Daisy Mullan

7. Megan McColl

8. Gemma Porter

9. Georgia Parfitt (wk)

10. Sara Phillips

11. Charlotte Lambert