September 2, 2024

Fin Hill Signs His First Professional Contract

Somerset County Cricket Club is excited to share that Fin Hill has signed his first professional contract.

The contract will start on November 1st and will last until the end of the 2026 season.

The 18-year-old batter, who also bowls right-arm off-spin, developed his skills at Exeter Cricket Club and made his First XI debut in July 2021 at just 15 years old.

He joined the Somerset Academy two months after that.

The former Kings College student debuted for Somerset’s Second XI in 2022 and later made his First XI appearance during last year’s Metro Bank One Day Cup match against Durham at Gosforth. He has been a key player for the Somerset U18 team. He has significantly impacted the Club’s Second XI, notably contributing to their T20 Cup victory this season.

After signing his contract, Fin said: “I’m really pleased because this is what I’ve been working towards for the last five years. I’m really excited to see where this can take me. It means a lot to me and it’s great that all the hard work has paid off, but the real work starts now.”

“I’d like to thank Matt Drakeley (SCCC Head of Talent Pathway), who’s been a great coach and mentor throughout my time on the Pathway. He’s really helped to take my game to the next level.”

“Credit also needs to go to Rob Woodman, the Head of Cricket at King’s College, because I don’t think I would be where I am today without his support. My family have also been incredibly supportive over the last few years. My dad and my brother gave me a lot of encouragement when I was growing up, going to the nets with me pretty much every day when I was younger.”

“Over the next two years, I’ll be working hard, and the end goal has to be battling for a place in the First Team in all three formats. I’ve got the opportunity to go to Australia this winter to work on my game and my developmental areas before the start of the English summer. I just want to give myself the best possible chance of succeeding.”

Reactions to Fin Hill’s First Professional Contract

Matt Drakeley, Head of Talent Pathway at SCCC, is delighted that Somerset has secured the talented all-rounder’s services. “I’m delighted that Fin has signed his first contract at Somerset, and I know how much it will mean to him and his family,” he said. “It’s great to see another Devon cricketer transition onto the professional staff and continues to highlight the strength of the South-West region.”

“During his three years on the Academy he has shown a high amount of self-awareness and a desire to continue to grow his game to cope with the challenges of both red and white-ball cricket.”

“He has demonstrated to other Academy players the on and off-field characteristics that we would want any player to hold, and I look forward to seeing him continue to demonstrate these as part of the professional environment.”

Somerset Director of Cricket Andy Hurry added: “Fin has impressed us with his attitude and application during his time on the Academy, and his performances for the Second XI this summer have thoroughly warranted this contract offer.”

“We look forward to helping to play a part in Fin’s development as a player and a person over the next two years.”

The Head of Cricket at King’s College, Rob Woodman, said: “We are very proud of Fin and all he has achieved this year on the cricket pitch. To be rewarded with a contract is amazing. He has worked extremely hard and has been very disciplined in all aspects of life, balancing A-levels, cricket, and other sports.

“To be leaving King’s with a Somerset contract was a huge goal for many years for Fin and we’re so glad he has been given the opportunity. We wish him all the best for the remainder of the season as well as achieving great things with Somerset CCC in the future.”

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