As the 2025 season comes to a close, Warwickshire can look back on a campaign full of progress, pride and defining moments — from the Bears Women’s run to Finals Day to the Men’s dramatic red-ball victories.
Bears Women
The Bears Women launched their season with a party at Edgbaston all the way back in November last year. In the eleven months that have passed since, the team has battled its way through to two finals days – appearing in the inaugural T20 Blast Final and the T20 County Cup – securing 12 victories.
The Bears have fielded a very young side throughout the summer, which makes it remarkable to see how quickly they formed into a solid unit and eventual underdogs to push for the T20 crown.
They have been excellently led by their thoughtful and considered Captain Georgia Davis, powered by the exciting talent of top-order batter Davina Perrin, and thrilled by the emergence of wrist-spinner Millie Taylor.
Speaking on their run to the T20 Final, Captain Davis said, “My proudest moment this year was watching the team buy into the style of play we want to achieve, especially in T20 cricket, which resulted in success for us and the way a fairly inexperienced team grew as both players and people.”
Even though there were standout performers, every Bear played their part. At some point during the Blast campaign, every player delivered key performances on at least one occasion. Seven batters hit at least one half-century during the competition, and four bowlers took more than 10 wickets.
They dispatched the Blaze in the semi-final, with Issy Wong starring, scoring 59 and returning figures of 4/14. Unfortunately, the fairytale ending was not to be, as they fell short against Surrey in the final, eventually losing by five wickets.
Moving Forward
The next step for the Bears is securing their first silverware. They were lifted by the exploits of overseas Laura Harris, who announced herself with a record-breaking half-century off just 16 balls against Durham at Edgbaston.
However, they may be without her services next year, so adding star quality to the squad and bolstering the depth will be essential to the Bears sustaining their charge towards a maiden title.
Looking ahead to 2026, Davis said, “My biggest lesson is probably how important off-field relationships are for the team and something I want to continue to build on.
“I think we need to just stick to our game plan for longer. We showed glimpses of brilliance this year, and we need to continue to build as a team and repeat our skills for longer periods of time in the games.”
Bears Men
It was a similar tale for the Men’s side, who threatened late into all three domestic competitions, but were unable to get over the line in the crunch matches to successfully challenge for silverware.
The squad have shown excellent signs of growth and the ability to be real title contenders in the Rothesay County Championship next season.
New Bears
The early recruitment signals real intent from the Bears to challenge for their ninth County Championship title next summer.
Beau Webster’s all-round experience and abilities brought balance to the side this year, and his return for the first half of 2026 brings immeasurable value to the side.
With the addition of proven all-rounder Jordan Thompson and Nathan Gilchrist, who performed well during his short loan spell in September, the Bears are building an exciting squad with depth and talent. Add to that the return of club legend Keith Barker on a one-year contract, who will be looking to add to his 379 first-class wickets for the Bears.
Speaking on the recruitment, Davies said, “It’s clear that we’ve got a good core group at the moment, but we’ve recruited very well. It’s an opportunity to bring those new guys in, get to know them, and teach them what it means to be a Bear.
“We’re always trying to evolve and recruit to fill the gaps we see, which will help us lift the Championship. It creates a healthy competition for places.”
County Championship 2025
The Bears had a strong run throughout the competition and went into the final block of red-ball fixtures sitting in a position to challenge for the top of the table. Only September rain denied a late title push, but there were signs throughout the summer of an evolving side ready to fight for the top spot.
None showed that fight more than the dramatic one-wicket win over Durham in April. It was new recruit Ethan Bamber who lifted Ben Raine for six down the ground to secure victory late into the fourth evening.
Speaking on that win, Alex Davies said, “That Durham game defined the character of this team. We didn’t get off to a great start; we were behind the game after the first innings.
“We were staring down the barrel, and it was the partnership between Barney (Ed Barnard) and Kai (Smith) that kept us in it.”
Needing 339 to win, the Bears were quickly reduced to 90/5, only for the Player of the Season Ed Barnard to strike his first century of the summer, ably supported by young Kai Smith, who also bagged a brace of fifties in the match.
Once they’d both departed, it was left to the lower-order of Michael Booth, Ethan Bamber, Taz Ali and Vishwa Fernando to get the 64 runs still required. In completing that chase, the Bears ignited their red-ball season.
Davies said, “With Booth and Bamber scoring 40 and 30 down the order, Bamber finishing it with a six, it just optimises that never-say-die attitude.
“The Durham game showed us that we’re good enough to win games of cricket in this division and push for that Championship.”
The Bears won three matches in the Championship, all chasing in the fourth innings, and secured a solid mid-table finish, which at one point could have been more.
The final point to consider is all the young Bears showing their talent throughout both sides.
On numerous occasions, young members have stood up and put in match-defining performances that prove the exciting direction that both squads are heading in.
Davies said, “We’ve got a great crop of young Bears, so another winter of training and learning means they can hit the ground running when we start next year, which will be invaluable”.
Our History. Our Future. 2026 Memberships
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