New South Wales Breakers Win 21st WNCL Title Against Queensland
Image credits: Source Link
The New South Wales Breakers have won their 21st Women's National Cricket League (WNCL) title, defeating Queensland by 21 runs in the final at Allan Border Field. Queensland captain Georgia Redmayne's 97 was not enough to secure the win for her team, as the Breakers' inspired fightback with the ball saw them defend 215 to claim the Ruth Preddey Cup.
Anika Learoyd's 80 from 110 balls was the highlight of the Breakers' innings, as they were bowled out for 215 in 48 overs. Queensland's bowling attack, led by Grace Parsons, Hamilton, and Charli Knott, kept the Breakers' run-rate in check, but Learoyd's innings proved crucial in the end. In reply, Redmayne's dogged efforts to marshal the lower order came to an abrupt end when she was run out in heartbreaking fashion via a deflection off bowler Lauren Cheatle at the non-striker's end.
The match was a closely contested affair, with both teams having their moments of dominance. The Breakers' batting lineup was led by Learoyd, who found a willing partner in Claire Moore, who scored 33 off 60 balls. The pair put on 87 alongside Learoyd during their 18 overs in the middle, as the Breakers struggled to up the run-rate against the Fire attack. The Queensland fielding effort was impressive, with Redmayne and Sianna Ginger putting on a 105-run partnership to keep their team in the hunt.
The turning point of the match came when Redmayne was run out, leaving Queensland with only two tail-end wickets in hand and 43 runs required. The Breakers' attack, led by Cheatle, Sammy-Jo Johnson, and Sam Bates, shared the spoils, with each picking up two wickets apiece. The match scores were:
- New South Wales: 215 (Learoyd 80, Parsons 3-39, Hamilton 3-57)
- Queensland: 194 (Redmayne 97)
The victory is a testament to the Breakers' teamwork and determination, as they fought back from a difficult position to claim the title. The team's celebration was wild, with players hugging each other and cheering in joy. The win is also a special moment for NSW veteran Sarah Coyte, who now has 10 WNCL titles across three different states. The 33-year-old won six competitions with NSW between 2010 and 2015, one with South Australia after that, then a further two with Tasmania, and her latest triumph is extra special, given the long wait between drinks for a NSW organisation accustomed to success.
wncl breaker queensland 21st wal georgia title nsw ruth preddey
Related Tags