Whilst almost every member of staff at MCC can claim to have been close to the action at some point or other during their time at the Club, not many can say they have played professionally – but Rebecca Tyson bucks that trend after recently making her debut for Southern Vipers.
Rebecca, known as Bex, is a full-time Development Coach at the Indoor Cricket Centre at Lord’s, and recently featured for Southern Vipers in the semi-final of the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy, and their two final group matches, after penning a short-term contract.
Left-arm spinner Bex has worked for MCC for the past six years and has most recently been playing for the Sunrisers 2nd XI, and Hertfordshire, however her skills in the nets at Lord’s when bowling to the likes of England stars Heather Knight and Charlie Dean, whilst on London Spirit duty, attracted the attention of Charlotte Edwards, Head Coach of the Vipers.
“I was shocked” said Bex. “I didn’t expect it at all. I started playing cricket when I was eight and ever since my dream was to be a professional cricketer. I never really thought it would be me"!
“We were mainly talking about next year when they become Hampshire, but they asked for a quick chat before I left, and they gave me a contract then and said they want to sign me as a pay-as-you-play player for the rest of the season for Southern Vipers. I had a week to think about it, but it was a no-brainer.”
Making her debut at Headingley against Northern Diamonds at the start of September, Bex enjoyed a fantastic introduction to the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy, taking 3 for 49 from her 10 overs in a thriller which the hosts won on the final ball.
Her first scalp was Erin Burns; “She played for London Spirit this year, so I knew her as well which was good. Just celebrating with everyone and seeing everyone so happy was amazing.”
Bex then played against the Sunrisers at the Vipers’ home ground – the Utilita Bowl – before a semi-final against South-East Stars, who edged out the Vipers by three wickets at Beckenham to seal their place in the final.
The 24-year-old owes much of her recent success to her involvement with London Spirit, who won the women’s Hundred in 2024.
“Having the chance to work with London Spirit over the last couple of years has really helped me. The year before last, I did the whole tournament as a Development Coach, but I ended up net bowling for the whole month which involved bowling for three hours straight every day at those kinds of players.
“I did the same with London Spirit again this year but just for the home games, and again it massively helped me out.”
Her focus now though is building on such an incredible experience and balancing her work commitments at Lord’s with her training.
“Everyone at MCC has been so supportive which I am very grateful for.
“In the winter I have a bit of flexibility to train, and in the summer, I do Monday-Friday which allows me to play on Saturday.
“It can be tricky at times, but I think it is quite a good balance and when the nets are empty, we can use them to practice. The facilities are world-class.
“To miss the rush hour, I get in at about 7.30. I don’t start until 10.00 so for a couple of hours I will just bat and bowl, most days.”
Bex hopes that her conundrum in balancing training and work carries on for next season; “In terms of next year, at the moment I am trying not to get ahead of myself, but my hopes are to continue.”