Photo Credit: Perth Scorchers
WA-born pace bowler Piepa Cleary has pledged her loyalty to the Perth Scorchers, signing a new two-year deal to remain in in orange until at least the end of the 2024-25 Weber Women’s Big Bash League season.
The whippy right-armer played a vital role during the Scorchers’ WBBL|08 campaign, finishing with 11 wickets at 22.64 from 13 matches.
She was also part of Perth’s drought-breaking title win in WBBL|07, defeating Adelaide Strikers by 12 runs in front of 15,511 fans at Optus Stadium.
Cleary was delighted to sign on for another two seasons, identifying the friendships and team culture as a major reason for recommitting.
“I am rapt to be staying in Perth, I have spent my whole life here and I don’t know any different, signing on was a really easy decision,” she said.
“It’s a family-oriented club, there is a close connection between players and staff here and I feel like we are building something special, which I am excited to be a part of.”
A model of consistency, the 27-year-old sits equal-third on the Scorchers’ all-time wicket-taking list with 46 at 25.89, alongside fellow quick Taneale Peschel.
Cleary has also shown potential with the bat during her time in orange, including guiding the Scorchers over the line in a final-over thriller against Melbourne Stars at the WACA Ground last summer.
She is one of Perth’s most experienced players, with her 69 matches over eight seasons placing her fourth on the all-time list for the Scorchers, behind Heather Graham, Nicole Bolton, and current teammate Chloe Piparo.
Cleary noted versatility as her greatest strength, with the ability to bowl at any stage of the innings the key to her consistency over a long period of time.
“For me, I have had to evolve my game over the last few years, especially with the way that T20 cricket is being played, but I think working on what I can offer with the ball and being agile will continue to be a big focus of mine.”
Her leadership towards younger squad members also remains at front of mind.
“I have really enjoyed watching our younger players develop over the last couple of seasons, and I hope that I can play a role in making them better players in the future.
“They inspire me to lift my game and make sure I am doing everything I can to be the best player and teammate I can be.
As for the season ahead, Cleary is confident the team can recreate the magic from WBBL|07.
“To play in front of our fans, friends, and family at Optus Stadium, and bring home the title, was amazing.
“We have been able to keep the core group of players from the final together, so I have every confidence in the girls that we can recapture our title-winning form from WBBL|07.”
