Drought breakers: Tasmania, Villani win first WNCL title

It has taken her eight attempts, but Elyse Villani has finally won a Women's National Cricket League (WNCL) title.

Villani and emerging star Emma Manix-Geeves shared in a record 205-run partnership, with both hitting unbeaten centuries, to guide Tasmania to a nine-wicket win over South Australia in Hobart on Sunday to complete a season of dominance.

The two joined each other in the eighth over and couldn't be removed, proving a class above as they scored with ease on a beautiful Blundstone Arena pitch.

Villani finished on 111 not out and Manix-Geeves not out on 104 – smashing her previous high score of 68 – in a perfect run chase that saw the Tigers only require three batters.

Having elected to bat after winning the toss, it was a circumspect start by SA openers Emma de Broughe and Bridget Patterson, who appeared determined not to lose an early wicket.

Image Id: 94A9B6F6A3B744A0BE8558FB70E35C04 Image Caption: Tasmania celebrate as the winning runs are hit // Getty

They reached 42 for the first wicket before Patterson (25) was run out attempting a second run, with the third umpire confirming Naomi Stalenberg's throw had left the opener short.

Josie Dooley made her way to the crease and scored with relative ease, while de Broughe was at her innovative best, frequently ramping and lapping the Tigers' bowlers and causing changes to the field.

However, just when she looked settled and ready to push the Scorpions' run rate upwards, a fantastic catch at cover by Corinne Hall off the bowling of Sasha Moloney forced her to depart for 48.

The Scorpions' leading run-scorer, Courtney Webb, came in at her established position of No.4 and took her time early, much like her teammates in the top order.

She and Dooley began to lift the tempo post the second drinks break, taking 13 runs off one Hayley Silver-Holmes over that included a dropped catch by Villani when the latter popped one up to short mid-wicket.

Dooley brought up her half-century shortly afterwards, as did Webb with her fifth boundary, with the Scorpions reaching 2-193 with seven overs remaining after a dominant period for the visitors.

The pair looked set to help post a big total, but their 113-run partnership came to an end when Amy Smith bowled Dooley for 66.

Webb put the onus on herself from that point forward, while the Tigers turned the screws on the remaining SA batters, who managed just nine runs between them.

Webb was out on the penultimate delivery of the innings for 88, her highest score in the WNCL, with the Scorpions finishing on 8-242.

Molly Strano and Amy Smith both took three wickets each, helping the Tigers restrict the total to below 250 and set up an intriguing run chase.

Rachel Priest got their reply off to a good start and was unperturbed by the South Australian opening bowlers' efforts, but a change of bowling brought her undone.

Samantha Betts came into the attack and struck with her fifth ball when she crashed into Priest's stumps, bringing Villani to the crease with the score at 1-40.

A glorious square drive to the boundary off her first delivery signified Villani's intent as she kicked off her innings in typical fashion.

Manix-Geeves – Priest's opening partner – began to lift her scoring rate as well, with the Tigers in a strong position at the first drinks break.

Manix-Geeves and Villani both brought up their fifties through the middle overs as the Scorpions struggled to contain boundaries, with SA captain Jemma Barsby continually changing up her bowlers in search of a breakthrough.

Image Id: 062DB8050C884A6BA49B27FA12540738 Image Caption: Emma Mannix-Geeves celebrates her first WNCL hundred // Getty

It would all be in vain though, as the two picked apart the Scorpions bowlers with ease to guide their side home and secure a maiden WNCL title.

The relief was evident on Villani's face after finally breaking through for a domestic championship having previously lost six WNCL finals with Victoria and one with WA.

She hit the winning runs with 14 balls to spare, sparking huge celebrations from both the players and a vocal home crowd.

Villani, named player of the match for her brilliant century, emphasised the significance of the win for Tasmanian cricket.

"For the past players who have come before us and been a part of the journey, hopefully today we made you proud," she said.

"To the Tassie community who came out to support us, thank you. Hopefully we've gained a few more supporters and helped to inspire the next generation of Tassie Tigers."

Image Id: AF868884D53D4DB4A657E152084EAC54 Image Caption: Tasmania celebrate // Getty

Villani was also full of praise for her teammates, namely outgoing veteran Hall, who will retire after an outstanding career and significant contribution to cricket in the state.

"Corinne Hall and Sasha Moloney, you've been a part of the set-up since day dot and have gone through some incredibly tough times over the last five years," she said. "I hope today makes it all worth it.

"I'm incredibly proud of each and every one of you and I love being a part of this team. It's been a challenging season at times and the way the group has handled themselves and been adaptable and stuck together has been amazing.

"Leading this team this year has been a true honour and privilege and I'm just so proud of everyone."