Breakers, Fire open WNCL accounts

Breakers edge home in thrilling final replay

New South Wales and South Australia have played out a thrilling grand final rematch to kick-start the Women's National Cricket League season, with the Breakers edging out the reigning champions by one wicket.

NSW were still five runs shy of their target of 216 when the ninth wicket fell, but debutante tailenders Maisy Gibson and Belinda Vakarewa kept their cool to see the Lendlease Breakers over the line with 10 balls to spare.

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Earlier, a brilliant Breakers bowling performance headlined by Commonwealth Bank Southern Stars seamer Rene Farrell restricted the Breezair Scorpions to 9-216.

South Australia struggled to find a major contributor with the bat, despite new skipper Tegan McPharlin  (24), star recruit Charlotte Edwards (35) and middle-order batter Talia McGrath (37) all making starts.

Farrell finished with 3-33 from her 10-over spell, while Ashleigh Gardner and Sarah Aley picked up two wickets apiece.

The Scorpions had a dream start in reply when Megan Schutt snared the crucial wicket of international teammate Alyssa Healy in the first over, before Sam Betts and Sarah Coyte both struck to leave the Breakers 3-57.

But Australia vice-captain Alex Blackwell (70) steadied the ship with a classy half-century, before becoming Schutt's second victim with 51 runs still required.

Gardner's 34-ball 46 kept the Breakers on track, before a late collapse of 3-8 - courtesy of a triple-strike from McGrath – ensured a nail-biting finish.

Fire open account with emphatic win

Australia stars Jess Jonassen and Beth Mooney have helped Queensland romp to a six-wicket win in their opening WNCL clash against Tasmania.

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A strong bowling performance from 18-year-old medium pacer Georgia Prestwidge put the Fire on track, her 3-25 pivotal in dismissing the Cripps Roar for 151.

Jonassen and fellow Southern Stars allrounder Grace Harris chipped in with two wickets apiece, while Brooke Hepburn (38) and Ireland recruit Isobel Joyce (29) were the top scorers for Tasmania.

Mooney wasted no time setting up the chase, blasting a 43-ball 53 before being run out, before Jonassen's own knock off 53 helped the Fire home in the 28th over.

What's next?

The Scorpions meet Queensland tomorrow at Allan Border Field in Brisbane, Tasmania will look to bounce back against the Breakers at the Gabba, while Western Fury and ACT Meteors will start their WNCL campaigns at the WACA.

The Fury have sprung a surprise recruit on the eve of the season, including exciting 20-year-old England quick Tash Farrant in their squad for the opening weekend of matches.