“It was a real tough one to swallow,” said Georgia Redmayne after yet another Finals defeat

In a thrilling Women’s National Cricket League (WNCL) final at Allan Border Field, New South Wales Breakers secured their 21st title, edging out Queensland Fire by 21 runs in a dramatic contest. Despite setting what seemed like a below-par total of 215, the Breakers’ resilience and a moment of sheer misfortune for Queensland captain Georgia Redmayne proved decisive in sealing their triumph.

For Queensland, this was another painful chapter in their recent history of falling short in big matches. This defeat marked their second consecutive WNCL final loss and the fifth straight defeat in a title decider across domestic women’s competitions, including two WBBL runners-up finishes and a T20 Spring Challenge final loss.

The chase began on a shaky note for the Fire as they lost Lucy Bourke and in-form Charli Knott early. However, Redmayne (97 off 122) and Sianna Ginger (36 off 60) steadied the innings with a crucial 106-run partnership, taking control of the chase. Ginger’s dismissal triggered a dramatic collapse.

Reflecting on the turning point of the match, Redmayne admitted that the lack of support from the lower order was the decisive blow, “Me and Ginge got it down to maybe 80 odd to win. (It was) just a lack of partnerships after that, which really killed us through the middle. It was a real tough one to swallow, considering we feel like we have batters all the way down the order.”

With Queensland needing 43 runs and Redmayne standing strong on 97, an unfortunate moment sealed their fate. Standing at the non-striker’s end, she was caught short of her crease when a straight drive from Nicola Hancock deflected off bowler Lauren Cheatle’s hand and crashed into the stumps.

A stunned Redmayne had to walk back, leaving Queensland’s hopes in tatters. The tailenders couldn’t hold on, and Breakers bowled them out for 194 in the 47th over, sparking jubilant celebrations.

Though falling three runs short of a century, Redmayne insisted her focus was always on the team’s chase rather than personal milestones, “I wasn’t really watching my score that much. I was just watching how many runs we needed. I think it was about 40-odd at that point. So, I knew if I got 25 of them, I just needed someone else to get 10 or 15. When you get out like that, you just feel like it’s maybe not meant to be.”

Earlier in the day, Queensland’s bowlers delivered an outstanding performance after Breakers elected to bat. The visitors were bowled out for 215 in 48 overs, with only Anika Learoyd standing tall with a well-crafted 80 off 110 balls. Claire Moore chipped in with 33 off 60, but Queensland’s disciplined attack kept them in check.

Leg-spinner Grace Parsons was the standout performer, taking 3 for 29 in her 10 overs, showcasing her ability to control the game despite limited opportunities this season due to injuries.

Captain Redmayne was full of praise for Parsons, highlighting her growth and value to the team, “It’s such a value having a leg-spinner with the amount of control she has. She’s worked really hard with her back this year. She’s been in and out of the team, and I thought, having not played for a while, the way that she bowled in the final today, she was our best bowler.”

Breakers’ bowlers showed their experience when it mattered most. Lauren Cheatle (2/32), Sammy-Jo Johnson (2/36), Sam Bates (2/41), and captain Georgia Adams (2/33) combined to dismantle Queensland’s batting order after Redmayne’s dismissal.

The win was particularly special for NSW veteran Sarah Coyte, who now has 10 WNCL titles across three states. Having previously won with New South Wales, South Australia, and Tasmania, the 33-year-old added another feather to her illustrious career.

Tahlia Wilson and Anika Learoyd played a vital role in Breakers’ road to the title, finishing as the tournament’s top two run-scorers. Wilson amassed 667 runs from 13 matches, while Learoyd followed closely with 577. Johnson, with 23 wickets, finished as the second-highest wicket-taker of the season behind South Australia’s Amanda-Jade Wellington (29).

This loss extends Queensland’s frustrating run of near misses. Despite consistently reaching the final stages of competitions, they have been unable to cross the finish line. However, Redmayne remains optimistic about the team’s trajectory and the rise of young talents like Charli Knott, Sianna Ginger, and Grace Parsons.

“We keep getting knocked down, but we keep coming back every year. We don’t have the silverware we deserve yet for a team that’s been so consistent, and I feel like we’re constantly bringing new players through.”

While Knott couldn’t make an impact in the final, she had a stellar season, finishing among the leading run-scorers with 556 runs.

Ginger, at just 19, impressed with her all-round abilities, earning high praise from her captain, “I feel like she’s got everything – she can bowl, she can bowl with a new ball, she can bowl later on, she can swing the ball. She’s an absolute athlete in the field. She’s the quickest in our team.”

For Breakers, this title ends a five-year drought, marking their first WNCL championship since 2018-19. The team, historically the most dominant force in the competition, proved they still have what it takes to win under pressure.

Having secured eight wins from 12 matches to enter the final, both teams were in top form, but in the end, it was New South Wales who held their nerve. Their ability to turn up in big moments, coupled with Queensland’s failure to capitalize on a strong position, made all the difference.

As New South Wales Breakers celebrate their return to the summit of Australian domestic cricket, Queensland Fire is left searching for answers. Their journey is one of perseverance, but for now, the elusive trophy remains just out of reach.

(Quotes sourced from cricket.com.au)

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