Women's Cricket in Australia - WNCL 2008/9

News

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Milestones:

NSW Breakers v VicSpirit

25/1/09
Batting PBs: C Smith (V) 39*
Bowling PBs: E Perry (N) 4/23

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Breakers triumph again - 25 January 2009

The Wolf Blass Breakers have completed the 2008/09 Women’s National Cricket League season undefeated after a six wicket demolition of Victoria in the Final at the SCG today.

This was the Breakers’ ninth win out of nine matches. The only other time they have gone through the WNCL season undefeated was back in 2001/02. This was also the Breakers’ fourth National title in a row and 11th title in 13 seasons.

“It’s really exciting to finish the season undefeated and win another title,” said Wolf Blass Breakers captain Lisa Sthalekar.

“We’ve been played some excellent cricket throughout the summer and to finish it off like we did in the Final is extremely satisfying!”

Victoria’s innings began disastrously with in-form opener Rachel Haynes run out for duck in the first over before a run had been scored. Just 12 runs later the next wicket fell, with Sarah Andrews claiming the key wicket of Mel Jones for seven.

Captain Sarah Edwards and Elyse Villani knuckled down for a 31 run third wicket partnership however the introduction of Sarah Aley into the attack sparked a dramatic collapse. Off her first ball, Aley had Villani caught behind. Five balls later she dismissed Jessica Cameron for a duck, brilliantly caught by Alex Blackwell in the gully.

Ellyse Perry then got in on the act, removing Sarah Edwards (14 off 37), Kelly Applebee (1 off 14) and Emma Inglis (2 off 9) in the space of a few overs. The Victorians had lost 5/9 and were now reeling at 7/52.

Jodi Dean and Clea Smith added some respectability to the score with a defiant 39 run stand for the eighth wicket before Dean was removed by Erin Osborne for 13. It was the last stand of any significance as Victoria were bowled out in the 45th over for 117, with Smith remaining unbeaten on 39.

For the Breakers Ellyse Perry finished with 4/23 and the Player of the Final award, while Sarah Aley took 2/5.

Despite the loss of Alex Blackwell early, the Wolf Blass Breakers were not troubled in their chase with the winning run coming in the 35th over.

Opener Leah Poulton was again outstanding with 43 at the top of the innings. She took her season tally to 376 runs making her the second leading run scorer in this season’s WNCL.

Kate Blackwell also made a polished 42 not out to see the Breakers home.

This was NSW’s second victory over Victoria in a Final this weekend after the RTA SpeedBlitz Blues defeated the VB Bushrangers in the Final of the KFC Twenty20 Big Bash last night.

With State commitments over, seven of the Wolf Blass Breakers will leave for New Zealand on Wednesday as part of the Australian team for the Rose Bowl. Their next assignment after that will be the 2009 ICC Women’s World Cup starting in March in Sydney, Bowral, Newcastle and Canberra.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Milestones:

Western Fury v Queensland Fire

17/1/09
Second tie in WNCL history
50 career wickets (all WNCL): J Coleman (Q), Chappell (W)
Batting PBs: R Farrell (W) 59*, M Holmes (W) 9, L Daley (Q) 75, J Jonassen (Q) 17
Bowling PBS: J Jonassen (Q) 3/43

18/1/09
1st bat: L Petherick (Q)
1st wicket: M Holmes (W), L Petherick (Q)
Batting PBs: J Fields (Q) 96, S Tainton (Q) 3*
Bowling PBs: J Verrall (Q) 2/17

NSW Breakers v VicSpirit

18/1/09
100 WNCL matches: C Smith (V)
Bowling PBs: E Osborne (N) 4/18

19/1/09
100 WNCL matches: L Coleman (N)
Batting PBs: J Cameron (V) 58, A Healy (N) 59
Bowling PBs: K Beams (V) 5/38

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Breakers win again - 19 January 2009

The NSW Breakers head into the Women’s National Cricket League Final next Sunday undefeated after accounting for Victoria by three wickets in game two of their double header at Hurstville Oval today.

Needing 228 to win, the Breakers’ chase was again led by opener Leah Poulton with a solid 53.

It was Spirit leg-spinner Kristen Beams who finally got rid of Poulton and she also dismissed the dangerous Alex Blackwell (22) finishing the innings with the excellent figures of 5-37.

A swashbuckling innings by Alyssa Healy (59 off 55) in the middle pushed the Breakers towards victory and captain Lisa Sthalekar (57) hit the winning runs with 10 balls to spare.

Earlier in the day Victoria won the toss and batted, posting 7/227 from their 50 overs. Player-of-the-Match Melanie Jones was the mainstay with 87, while rising star Jessica Cameron made 58.

Together they put on 100 runs for the fourth wicket. For the Breakers Sarah Aley took three wickets while Sharon Millanta, Ellyse Perry and Lisa Sthalekar took one wicket each. Erin Osborne continued her good bowling form with an economical 0/27 from 10 overs.

The Breakers and Victoria will meet again in the WNCL Final next Sunday at the SCG.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Breakers, Fire win - 18 January 2009

The NSW Breakers will enjoy a home ground advantage in the final of the Women’s National Cricket League next weekend after wrapping up top spot on the competition ladder with a comprehensive nine wicket win over Victoria at Hurstville Oval on Saturday.

It was a top-of-the-table clash with both sides going into the fixture undefeated and guaranteed a place in the Final, however NSW needed to win to ensure the Final would be played at the Sydney Cricket Ground on January 25.

Victoria batted first and were restricted to a modest total of 142 from 46.2 overs thanks to some tight bowling from rookie off-spinner Erin Osborne who continued her impressive debut season with 4-18 from 10 overs.

Rachael Haynes (36) and Jessica Cameron (36) both attempted to provide a stable presence in the Spirit innings but both fell to Osborne when well set.

Only some handy runs from Jane Franklin (17) and Clea Smith (16) in the latter stages pushed the Vics to a modest total.

In the run chase Leah Poulton chanced her arm early making 60 from 86 balls in an opening stand of 101 with Alex Blackwell.

Poulton finally fell in the 26th over to Smith (1-26) and that left Blackwell to maintain the momentum, going on to post her own half century and finishing unbeaten on 70.

The winning run came in the 35th over giving the Breakers their sixth bonus point for the season.

“It is very satisfying to have a home final. It’s a reward for playing some excellent cricket during the season,” said Breakers captain Lisa Sthalekar.

“Tomorrow’s game is also very important to us. We’ve built some really good momentum and it’s vital that we keep this going into next week,” she added.

The Breakers are now on 34 points from seven matches, 10 clear of Victoria. The two teams will meet again tomorrow at Hurstville Oval for the second match in the double header.

In the other WNCL match played on Saturday, Queensland Fire ran out winners by 79 runs against Western Fury at the WACA ground.

The Fire batted first and their innings of 191 was led by a magnificent 96 from skipper Jodie Fields which took 153 minutes and included nine boundaries.

Fields was well supported by Broadfoot (39) but fell short of a deserved century when Farrell (2-18) got the much-needed breakthrough in the final over.

The Fire total proved too much for the Fury as their run chase was crippled by a lack of big scores, only captain Avril Fahey (24) and Lauren Stammers (14) looked like putting together a meaningful partnership.

Jonassen (2-21) and Verrall (2-17) led the way for the Fire bowlers who proved too much for the Fury to handle.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Tight finishes all round - 18 January 2009

In an amazing finish the Queensland Fire and Western Fury have tied in their WNCL clash at the WACA ground on Saturday.

Both sides finished the match on 202 runs as Queensland Fire’s Jude Coleman (26) could only squeeze out a single on the final ball from Amanda Williams (1-47) to ensure both teams split the points.

Earlier in the day the Fury got off to a shaky start with early wickets falling at regular intervals thanks to some fine new ball bowling from Jonassen (3-43).

It wasn’t until the Fury stabilised in the middle order thanks to the efforts of Jenny Wallace (36) that the innings began to take shape.

The Fury fightback was also helped by some big lower-order hitting from Farrell, who hit five boundaries in her vital innings of 59 that guided the Fury to a competitive total of 202.

The Queensland chase began solidly with most of the top order getting starts, but it was a fine knock of 75 from Lyndall Daley that steered the Fire towards sight of victory.

Daley’s innings included seven boundaries and took 114 balls as the Fire attempted to build the innings around the stoic right-hander.

But with the total in sight Daley was undone by Chappell (3-38) who teamed with Wallace to catch the Fire star out of her ground.

The match then became an excruciatingly tight affair in the final overs with both sides having the chance to win the game.

In the women's Twenty20 match, the VicSpirit has inflicted NSW Breakers their first defeat of the season with a thrilling one-wicket win at Homebush.

Rachael Haynes was the hero for the Spirit, guiding the visitors to 9/92 with her a hard-hitting innings 33 not out, successfully chasing down the Breakers' total of 91.

The Breakers won the toss and elected to bat and despite losing opener Sarah Aley for a duck in the first over the home team were in a strong position at 2/57 in the eighth over.

It was at this point the Spirit took control and NSW lost its next eight wickets for just 34 runs, with a remarkable four stumpings coming from 'keeper Emma Inglis. This display combined with two run outs capped off a brilliant fielding effort from the visitors.

The Vics were immediately under pressure in their run chase, losing regular wickets to the bowling of Sharon Millanta (2-16) and Sarah Andrews (2-8).

Haynes came in to bat with the Vic innings struggling and immediately took over with a composed display, hitting four boundaries.

Spirit required nine of the last over to win, which Haynes managed with great placement, hitting the winning run through gully with just one ball to spare.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Milestones:

Queensland Fire v SA Scorpions

10/1/09
Debut: L Petherick (Q)
Batting PBs: A Jason-Jones (S) 48*, T Clapton (S) 22, L Daley (Q) 49*
Bowling PBs: S Morrison (S) 1/13

11/1/09
5000 Career runs (WNCL/National Champs): K Rolton (S)
50 Career wickets (all WNCL): K Britt (S)
Equal most WNCL 50s: K Rolton (S) 35
1st bat: S Tainton (Q)
Batting PBs: K Short (Q) 18

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Scorpions get first win - 11 January 2009

South Australia has defeated Queensland by 39 runs in the Women's National Cricket League match at the Allan Border Field on Sunday afternoon.

The Scorpions amassed 5-219 in their 50 overs with Kris Britt (86*) and captain Karen Rolten (64) doing the bulk of the scoring.

Jessica Jonassen (2-41) grabbed two wickets for the home side, while Delissa Kimmince, Jude Coleman and Selena Tainton each chimed in with one.

The Fire made a strong start to their run-chase with openers Melissa Bulow and Louise Broadfoot putting on 99 runs for the first wicket.

However, two wickets to Britt in two overs stopped all of Queensland's momentum and with Emma Sampson also picking up two wickets the Scorpions were well on top.

Superb fielding by South Australia produced three run-outs as the visitors eventually had Queensland all out for 180 to wrap up its first victory of the season.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Spirit through to final - 11 January 2009

Rachael Haynes Victoria Spirit booked a spot in the WNCL final against NSW Breakers later this month with a comprehensive six-wicket win over Western Fury at the Junction Oval on Sunday.

Led by opener Rachael Haynes, who carried her bat to finish on 98 not out from 138 deliveries, the Spirit easily chased down the 217 needed for victory.

The 22-year-old, who hit 34 in Victoria's 47-run win over the Fury on Saturday, pressed her claims for a berth in Australia's ICC Women's World Cup squad with another impressive display.

Captain Sarah Edwards (30) and Kelly Applebee (36 not out) also put in dominant performances to steer the Spirit home.

Earlier, Edwards (2-34) and Jodi Dean (1-29) helped restrict the Fury to 216 with opener Lauren Ebsary (57) the shining light for the visitors and Jenny Wallace making 40.

"We knew this match meant a lot and both teams were hard at it," Edwards said.

"Rachael Haynes is in great form and played a really gritty innings, while our bowlers were tight, so we're thrilled to have booked a spot in the final."

The Spirit meet the Breakers in a triple-header in Sydney next week to decide who will host the WNCL final on January 25.

"We're only a young team, but we're really keen to head up to Sydney next week and give the Breakers a run for their money before we meet them in the final," Edwards added.

Meanwhile, Queensland Fire defeated South Australia by six wickets at Allan Border Field in Brisbane on Saturday.

The Scorpions reached 7-193 with Amy Jason-Jones top-scoring with 48 not out and Shelley Nitschke making 31.

Louise Broadfoot (2-32) and Selina Tainton (2-38) were the major wicket-takers for Queensland.

Melissa Bulow fired 54 runs and Lyndall Daley hit 49 not out as the home side made 4-194 with more than five overs to spare.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Milestones:

VicSpirit v Western Fury

9/1/09
Debut: M Holmes (W)
Batting PBs: P Merrilees (W) 49, R Farrell (W) 33
Bowling PBs: S Edwards (V) 3/22, B Binch (V) 2/29

10/1/09
100 WNCL matches: A Fahey (W) 50 Career matches (all WNCL): J Hunter (V)
1000 Career runs (all WNCL): L Ebsary (W)
500 Career runs (all WNCL): J Wallace (W)
50 Career wickets (all WNCL): J Dean (V)
VicSpirit equalled their longest WNCL winning streak (7)

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Fury top Spirit - 09 January 2009

The Western Fury have enjoyed their first experience on the hallowed turf of the Melbourne Cricket Ground, beating Victoria Spirit by four wickets in a Twenty20 match yesterday.

Chasing 145 to win, the Fury reached 6-147 with one over to spare, thanks to an unbeaten 38 from 32 deliveries by Lauren Stammers, 39 from 23 deliveries from Angele Gray and 34 from 26 balls by Commonwealth Bank Southern Stars squad member Lauren Ebsary.

Fury skipper Avril Fahey won the toss and decided that they would chase a target, sending the Spirit into bat. Elyse Villani got the hone side off to a flyer with 32 from only 17 balls before she was dismissed with the score on 37 in the fourth over.

From that point on, the Fury bowlers did well to restrict the Spirit scoring capacity, with Kate Burns (2-19 from four overs), Jenny Gunn (1-20 from four) and Renee Chappell (1-15 in three overs) taking wickets and maintaining a healthy economy rate.

A late flurry from Lanning (27 from 20 balls) and Cameron (21 not out from 21 balls) saw the Spirit reach 5-144 from their 20 overs.

The Fury run chase got off to an excellent start through Gray and Ebsary before the first wicket fell off the last ball of the sixth over with the total on 60.

A mini collapse of 4-29 midway through the innings threatened to derail the visitors' hopes of victory, but Stammers and Rene Farrell (21 from 16 balls) combined for a 33-run sixth wicket stand which put their team firmly in the box seat.

Stammer brought up the winning runs with the last ball of the 19th over with a superb cover drive for four to give the Fury their second consecutive victory in this format after beating the Queensland Fire at the Gabba last year.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Milestones:

VicSpirit v Queensland Fire

20/12/08
Debut: Curtis (Q)
1st wicket: S Edwards (V)
Batting PBs: J Cameron (V) 34
Bowling PBs: B Binch (v) 2/44, J Verrall (Q) 1/14

21/12/08
100 WNCL matches - Queensland Fire
2500 Career (all WNCL) runs - M Bulow (Q)
1st bat - B Binch (V)
Batting PBs: R Haynes (V) 105, J Verrall (Q) 22
Bowling PBs: S Tainton (Q) 3/43

SA Scorpions v NSW Breakers

20/12/08
100 WNCL matches: SA Scorpions
100 WNCL wins: NSW Breakers
1500 Career (all WNCL) runs: K Britt (S)
1st wicket: S Morrison (S)
100 Career dismissals (National Champs/WNCL): L Coleman (N) 102 (61c/41s)
Most WNCL wicketkeeping dismissals: L Coleman (N) 96 (57c/39s)
Equal wicketkeeping dismissals in an innings record : L Coleman 5 (3c/2s)
Batting PBs: K Britt (S) 87

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Breakers hammer Scorpions in Twenty20 - 22 December 2008

The Breakers won the toss and elected to bat. With a re-jigged batting order, NSW rattled up 6/165 – Sarah Aley opened and top-scored with 41 off 37; Alyssa Healy batting at 4 made 35 off 21; Leah Poulton (23 off 17), Corinne Hall (23 off 15) and Ellyse Perry (21 off 20) all provided good support.

Shelley Nitschke took 2/30 off 4 while Sarah-Jane Jameson (1/25 off 4) and Emma Sampson (1/26 off 4) were the only other wicket-takers.

The Scorpions could only manage 9/84 in reply, losing by 81 runs – captain Karen Rolton opened and top-scored with 25 off 30 but Amy Jason-Jones with a slow unbeaten 19 off 34 was the only other batter to reach double figures.

Charlotte Anneveld took 4/8 off 4 while Sarah Andrews (2/15), Perry (2/19) and Aley (1/22) all chipped in.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Breakers defeat Scorpions - -21 December 2008

New South Wales has defeated South Australia by six wickets in a rain affected Women’s National Cricket League game played under lights at the Adelaide Oval.

South Australia produced a solid innings after winning the toss, compiling 250 in its 50 overs with Kris Britt (87), Karen Rolton (71) and Shelley Nitschke (62) all contributing solid knocks for the Scorpions. Sarah Andrews took three for 43 for the Breakers while wicketkeeper Leonie Coleman got five dismissals, equalling her own record for the most dismissals in a WNCL match.

The Breakers made a terrific start in ideal batting conditions with openers Alex Blackwell and Leah Poulton piling on 121 runs in 27 overs. Continuing on from her century the previous day, Blackwell was the main aggressor with 75 from 90 balls before being caught off a skied pull shot. Blackwell’s wicket was quickly followed by Leah Poulton who made an equally impressive 53 from 71 balls.

With the score at 2-177 after 33 overs, the players were forced from the field as storms approached. The weather delay meant six overs were lost leaving the Breakers to chase a revised total of 210 off nine overs. Captain Lisa Sthalekar (35 not out from 30 balls) ensured the defending champs got home, the winning run coming in the 39th over.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Spirit over Fire in a thriller - 21 December 2008

Queensland Fire have fallen short of victory by just one metre on the last ball of the day as Victoria took out a thrilling WNCL match at the Junction Oval on Sunday.

Fire bowler Jessica Jonassen faced the ultimate test, needing to hit a six off the last ball to claim the win, amazingly her solid hit landed just a metre short of the rope giving the Spirit a one-run win to keep their undefeated record intact.

Opener Rachael Haynes scored her maiden WNCL century (105 off 141 balls), to provide the backbone of a solid Spirit innings after winning the toss and electing to bat. Jude Coleman was the best of the Fire bowlers with three for 28 as the Spirit reached 219 off their 50 overs.

The Queenslanders chased well and were in good shape with Melissa Bulow (68) and Louise Broadfoot (43) combining for a 102-run opening stand, making light work of the big chase. But the Victorian bowlers bounced back, reduced the run-rate and dismissing the dangerous opening pair. The Fire needed quick runs through the middle of the innings, and the reckless acceleration cost the wickets of Lyndall Daley (22), Casey Reibelt (11) and Danielle Hollis (2) in quick succession.

Skipper Jodie Fields (33) and Jo-Ann Verrall (22) kept the visitors in touch and in the last over they needed 11 runs to claim the points. The Victorians held them well, giving up only singles on the first five balls, before Jonassen threw everything at Binch's last delivery and just fell short, getting the Spirit out of a jam and moving them into second position on the WNCL table.

Kristen Beams was the pick of the Spirit bowlers with three for 50.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Blackwell twins star for Breakers - 20 December 2008

An unbeaten 162 run stand by twins Alex and Kate Blackwell, including a century to Alex, has steered the New South Wales Breakers to a nine wicket victory over the South Australia Scorpions in the first match of their Women’s National Cricket League double header at Adelaide Oval No.2.

South Australia batted steadily to reach 5/175 from their 50 overs, a score that could have been better if Karen Rolton (52), Julie Woerner (44) and Kris Britt (58 not out) followed on from some promising starts. The Scorpion innings was held in check by some tight bowling from the NSW bowlers, Erin Osborne (1/22 off 10) and Lisa Sthalekar (0/24 off 10) were able to tie down the South Australian batters for long periods while quicks Sarah Andrews and Charlotte Anneveld took two wickets each.

The Scorpion bowlers backed up their batters with good opening spells from Emma Samson (0-36) and Neisha Iles (1-35) who snared the wicket of NSW opener Leah Poulton for four with the score on 14. But from then on the game was dominated by the Blackwell twins, Alex and Kate. Their 162 run stand came off 190 balls in 120 minutes, with the winning runs coming in the 37th over to give the Breakers their fifth win off the season, plus another valuable bonus point. Alex finished with a masterful 101 from 116 balls including 16 fours. Kate was 64 not out from 84 balls with eight fours.

This was Alex Blackwell’s second century for NSW and in the four centuries she has scored for NSW and Australia, sister Kate has been at the other end on three occasions.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Spirit win comfortably - 20 December 2008

Sarah Edwards and Julie Hunter have proved the difference with the ball as the Victoria Spirit defeated Queensland Fire by four wickets in their match at Junction Oval on Saturday.

Queensland batted first in ideal conditions and Hunter (3-32) struck first removing Fire opener Louise Broadfoot for eight with the score on 11. The loss of wickets continued at regular intervals thanks to Edwards (3-24) until Fire captain Jodie Fields steadied the ship with an excellent 63 which included six boundaries. Fields was assisted by Lyndall Daley (40) in pushing the Fire toward an impressive total before a late innings collapse instigated by the tight bowling of Hunter finished the Queensland charge at 178.

The Spirit began the chase confidently with openers Rachel Haynes (25) and Elyse Villani (47) putting on a 49-run opening stand. Broadfoot (1-22) finally claimed the important scalp of Villani after Haynes had fallen to Jo-Anne Verrall (1-14). But the Fire's bowlers struggled to take regular wickets from then on as Melanie Jones (41) and Jessica Cameron (34) steered the Spirit to a comfortable victory.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Milestones:

NSW Breakers v Western Fury

6/12/08
100 Career (National Champs/WNCL) Matches - Coleman (N)

7/12/08
100 WNCL matches - Western Fury, Gray (W)
1000 Career (all WNCL) Runs - Poulton (N)
Bowling PBs: Osborne (N) 3/20
Batting PBs: Farrell (W) 28

SA Scorpions v VicSpirit

6/12/08
Debuts: VIC - Binch, Lanning

7/12/08
Batting PBs: Clapton (S) 18, Lanning (V) 9, Villani (V) 87*

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Breakers do it easy - 07 December 2008

The New South Wales Breakers have recorded a comfortable eight-wicket victory over the Western Fury in their Women's National Cricket League clash at the SCG on Sunday.

The home team reached its target of 146 with nearly 18 overs to spare thanks largely to the efforts of Leah Poulton (50) and Alex Blackwell (50 not out).

The pair put on an 81-run first-wicket partnership and laid the foundations for a trouble-free run chase.

The Breakers also had the standout bowlers of the match with Sarah Andrews (2-12), Lisa Sthalekar (2-23) and Ellyse Perry (2-36) responsible for restricting the Fury to just 9-145 from their allotted 50 overs.

Jenny Wallace provided the most resistance for the visitors with 40 runs and she enjoyed able support from Jenny Gunn (35) and Rene Farrell (28).

Gunn (1-20) and Farrell (1-33) were also the only wicket-takers for the Fury.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Spirit down Scorpions - -06 December 2008

Victoria has beaten South Australia by 45 runs in the first of their WNCL double header at Adelaide Oval on Saturday.

After being sent in to bat by the Scorpions, the Spirit top order all fired to leave SA captain Karen Rolton regretting her decision as the Vics went on to make 248.

Rachael Haynes (40) and Elyse Vilani (42) got the scoreboard ticking with a solid 58-run partnership, but it was when captain Sarah Edwards joined Melanie Jones at the crease at 2-115 when the Vics did all the damage.

Edwards and Jones combined for a 109-run partnership with Edwards smashing a run-a-ball 65 to top score, while Jones finished on 59.

The runs dried up towards the end of the innings with no other batter reaching double figures, but the damage had already been done.

Shelley Nitschke was the pick of the SA bowlers with 2-30 from her 10, while Emma Sampson and Neisha Iles also took two wickets each.

The Scorpions' run-chase started positively, with Nitschke and Julie Woerner putting on 87-runs for the opening wicket, but once Nitschke was removed, wickets continued to fall at a steady rate.

SA would eventually make 9-203 from their 50 overs, 45 runs short of the Vics total.

All six Spirit bowlers collected a wicket with Briana Binch and Kristen Beams getting two each.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Breakers secure bonus point - 06 December 2008

The NSW Breakers have romped to a seven-wicket bonus-point victory over the Western Fury in their WNCL match at the SCG on Saturday.

After dismissing the Fury for a meagre 129, the Breakers cruised to the target in 33 overs for the loss of just three wickets.

Erin Osborne was the chief destroyer for NSW, getting three wickets in quick succession to see the Fury tumble from 1-68 to 4-72.

Wickets continued to fall at a regular rate with the Fury eventually all out for 129 in the 49th over.

Osborne finished with the impressive figures of 3-20 from her 10 overs, while Sarah Andrews also picked up three wickets.

Lauren Ebsary top-scored for the Fury with 40 runs, while Peta Merrilees (22) and Jenny Wallace (20) were the only other batters to reach double figures.

In reply the Breakers were cruising at 0-50 before Gunn trapped Alex Blackwell lbw, but they never lost the momentum and despite losing another two wickets, went on to reach the target in the 33rd over and earn the bonus point.

Leah Poulton was the leading run scorer with 43, while captain Lisa Sthalekar guided the hosts home with a solid 32 from 43 balls.

In just her third game of WNCL, Osborne was named player of the match.

“Playing my first game on the SCG was another amazing experience and I am just really happy with how I went and how the team went,” said Osborne.

“I am really enjoying playing in the WNCL. I am growing with confidence every time I step out there and I am loving my cricket at the moment.”

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Milestones:

Queensland Fire v NSW Breakers

29/11/08
Debuts: QLD – Jonassen, Reibelt & Tainton; NSW – Hall & Osborne
Batting PBs: Kimmince (Q) 10*

30/11/08
Bowling PBs: Jonassen (Q) 2/21, Tainton (Q) 2/20
Batting PBs: Reibelt (Q) 22

Western Fury v SA Scorpions

29/11/08
Debuts: SA – Clapton
Change of State Debuts: WA – Farrell, Gunn; SA – Jason-Jones
100 Career (National Champs/WNCL) Wickets – Fahey (W)
50 Career (all WNCL) Wickets – Nitschke (S)
Batting PBs: McPharlin (S) 6, Farrell (W) 27*, Merrilees (W) 32
Bowling PBs: Jameson (S) 2/27

30/11/08
50 Career (WNCL) Wickets – Sampson (S)

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Fury cruise to victory - 30 November 2008

The Western Fury have cruised to an eight-wicket victory in the Women's National Cricket League match against the SA Scorpions at Richardson Park on Sunday afternoon.

The Fury bowlers were the stars of the day, restricting the Scorpions to a paltry 98 from 38 overs. SA elected to bat and made a decent start before Jenny Gunn removed openers Shelley Nitschke (12) and Julie Woerner (29) to leave the hosts at 2-57. Captain Karen Rolton provided some resistance with a solid 22, but the opening three batters were the only ones to reach double figures as they were eventually bowled out for a meagre 98.

Vice-captain Renee Chappell was the pick of the bowlers with 3-19 from her 10, while Rene Farrell, Gunn and captain Avril Fahey all chipped in with two wickets each.

The Fury reached the total in just 22 overs and only lost two wickets along the way. Angele Gray top scored with 49, while Peta Merrilees secured victory with a solid 23 not out. Emma Sampson and Sarah-Jane Jameson were the two wicket takers for the Scorpions.

The Fury have now won five matches in a row, equalling their previous best winning streak in 1999/2000. Next week the Scorpions are at home against the Vic Spirit while the Fury travel to NSW to face the Breakers.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Breakers record narrow victory - 30 November 2008

The NSW Breakers held off a fast-finishing Queensland Fire to win game two of their Women's National Cricket League double header by nine runs at the Allan Border Field in Brisbane on Sunday.

After winning the toss and electing to bat, the Breakers were eventually dismissed for 185 in the 49th over. Openers Leah Poulton (eight) and Alex Blackwell (12) were both dismissed cheaply before Kate Blackwell and Lisa Sthalekar put on 68 for the second wicket. Sthalekar would eventually fall on 40, while Blackwell was out soon after for 35. Wicketkeeper Leonie Coleman scored a handy run-a-ball 31, while Erin Osborne (11 not out) and Sarah Aley (15) ensured the score got above 180.

Kirsten Pike was the pick of the Fire bowlers, finishing with figures of 3-46 from 10 overs, while Delissa Kimmince, Jessica Jonassen and Selina Tainton all chipped in with two wickets each.

Queensland made a confident start to the chase with Louise Broadfoot and Casey Reibelt putting on 49 runs in 16 overs before Sarah Aley had Broadfoot caught and bowled for 33. Aley then grabbed her second wicket soon after when Danielle Hollis edged one behind to Coleman for four. Despite losing further wickets, Melissa Bulow (38) and Lyndall Daley (12) kept Queensland on track with a 48-run fifth wicket stand but when they both fell within an over of each other, the momentum had shifted the Breakers’ way. Wickets began to fall at regular intervals and despite a late cameo from Pike (28 off 17), Queensland were unable to reach the target, finishing at 9-176 after 50 overs.

In just her second WNCL match Osborne took 3-28 from 10, while Aley finished with 2-22 from her 10 overs. "We came to Brisbane looking for eight points and we've come away with 10. So overall it was a good start to the season," Breakers Coach Richard Bates said. "We were a bit below par today with the bat and struggled to adjust to the conditions. I think the team will be disappointed with that. But we showed some discipline in the field and with the ball. Sarah Aley bowled well and so did Erin Osborne, which allowed us to get ourselves out of a tricky situation."

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Breakers cruise to victory - 29 November 2008

The New South Wales Breakers have opened their WNCL campaign with a comprehensive eight-wicket victory over the Queensland Fire at Allan Border Field on Saturday.

Set a modest target of 109 to win, the Breakers cruised to a double bonus point victory, with Leah Poulton scoring a tremendous half century in the run chase. Poulton top-scored for the Breakers with 62 and shared in an entertaining 44-run opening stand with Alex Blackwell (22), while Kate Blackwell (17 not out) and Lisa Sthalekar (4 not out) guided the visitors home.

"We came here looking to get four points. To get six points is fantastic at any stage in the season so this result today has set us off to a good start. We are very, very pleased," Poulton said. "There was a bit of rain around so we just wanted to get the runs as quickly as we could. We wanted to set a good base in the first 10 overs then I picked some bowlers I could go after with my style of play. It worked out really well."

Earlier, Sthalekar (2-10), Charlotte Anneveld (2-21), Sarah Andrews (2-26) and Ellyse Perry (1-24) helped restrict the Fire to 9-118 from their 50 overs, with Delissa Kimmince (10 not out) and Jessica Jonassen (12 not out) helping the hosts get their score past 100 with a steady stand for the 10th wicket.

In Saturday's other WNCL clash, the Western Australia Fury successfully defeated the South Australia Scorpions in a thriller. The Scorpions made a good total of 8-221 from their 50 overs, but the Fury chased down the target with five balls to spare.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Team Lists 2008-09

NSW Breakers
Sarah Aley, Sarah Andrews, Charlotte Anneveld, Alex Blackwell, Kate Blackwell, Leonie Coleman, Holly Colvin, Ashleigh Endacott, Nicole Goodwin, Corinne Hall, Alyssa Healy, Lisa Kuschert, Sharon Millanta, Erin Osborne, Ellyse Perry, Leah Poulton & Lisa Sthalekar. Coach: Richard Bates.

Queensland Fire
Louise Broadfoot, Melissa Bulow, Jude Coleman, Nicole Curtis, Lyndall Daley, Jodie Fields (nee Purves), Danielle Hollis, Jessica Jonassen, Delissa Kimmince, Kirsten Pike, Casey Reibelt, Kirby Short, Selina Tainton & Jo-Ann Verrall. Coach: Joanne Broadbent.

SA Scorpions
Kris Britt, Sarah Carver, Leanne Davis, Alicia Dean, Cara Fiebig, Neisha Iles, Sarah-Jane Jameson, Amy Jason-Jones, Fiona McDonald, Teagan McPharlin, Angela Moritz, Stephanie Morrison, Shelley Nitschke, Karen Rolton, Emma Sampson, Kiara Stockley & Julie Woerner. Rookies: Tamara Clapton, Rhiannon Peate, Lucy Williams & Lisa Wunderberg Coach: Ben Arthur.

Victoria Spirit
Kelly Applebee, Kristen Beams, Briana Binch, Jessica Cameron, Jodie Dean, Sarah Edwards, Jane Franklin, Rachael Haynes, Julie Hunter, Emma Inglis, Melanie Jones, Meghann Lanning, Renee Melton, Clea Smith & Elyse Villani. Coach: Cathryn Fitzpatrick.

Western Fury
Nicole Bolton, Donna Brown, Kate Burns, Renee Chappell, Lauren Ebsary, Avril Fahey, Rene Farrell, Angele Gray, Jenny Gunn, Melissa Holmes, Charlotte Horton, Holly Hyder, Peta Merrilees, Emily Rixon, Lauren Shave, Lauren Stammers, Gemma Triscari, Jenny Wallace, Amanda Williams & Jaimi Wilson. Coach: Steve Philippe.

WNCL Draw 2008-09

Points Table

---

Current Season Statistics

WNCL Records | All Players, Season 2008-09| Player Career Stats

TOP BATTING STATS

Runs (min 200)	Average (min 200/30.00)	Strike Rate (min 200/50.00)
431 K Rolton (S)	62.00 A Blackwell (N)	74.00 L Ebsary (W)
376 L Poulton (N)	53.88 K Rolton (S)	72.67 K Britt (S)
372 A Blackwell (N)	53.17 K Britt (S)	71.67 L Poulton (N)
357 R Haynes (V)	44.63 R Haynes (V)	70.33 E Villani (V)
319 K Britt (S)	44.20 K Blackwell (N)	66.33 A Blackwell (N)
301 M Jones (V)	41.78 L Poulton (N)	66.00 M Jones (V)
272 E Villani (V)	34.00 E Villani (V)	65.83 R Haynes (V)
265 J Fields (Q)	33.44 M Jones (V)	65.67 J Cameron (V)
243 M Bulow (Q)	33.13 J Fields (Q)	62.00 M Bulow (Q)
221 K Blackwell (N)	30.71 L Daley (Q)	61.83 J Woerner (S)
217 L Broadfoot (Q)	30.38 M Bulow (Q)	61.00 J Fields (Q)
216 J Woerner (S)		59.83 K Rolton (S)
215 L Daley (Q)		59.50 L Daley (Q)
207 L Ebsary (W)		56.67 K Blackwell (N)
206 J Cameron (V)		51.00 L Broadfoot (Q)

TOP BOWLING STATS

Wickets (min 9)	Average (min 9/max 25.00)	Economy Rate (min 30 overs/max 3.50)
15 K Beams (V)	14.20 E Osborne (N)	2.48 E Osborne (N)
15 E Osborne (N)	16.27 S Edwards (V)	2.80 L Sthalekar (N)
13 S Tainton (Q)	17.38 S Tainton (Q)	3.08 J Dean (V)
13 S Andrews (N)	18.54 S Andrews (N)	3.12 A Fahey (W)
12 J Jonassen (Q)	19.83 J Jonassen (Q)	3.14 J Coleman (Q)
12 E Perry (N)	20.67 A Fahey (W)	3.23 S Andrews (N)
11 R Chappell (W)	20.93 K Beams (V)	3.38 S Edwards (V)
11 J Gunn (W)	21.91 J Gunn (W)	3.42 C Smith (V)
11 S Edwards (V)	22.90 J Coleman (Q)	3.49 R Farrell (W)
10 J Coleman (Q)	23.73 R Chappell (W)	3.50 J Jonassen (Q)
9 A Fahey (W)	24.25 E Perry (N)
9 R Farrell (W)	25.00 C Smith (V)
9 E Sampson (S)
9 L Sthalekar (N)
9 C Smith (V)

TOP WICKETKEEPING - FIELDING

	Ct	St	Total		Ct
J Wallace (W)	10	2	12	J Coleman (Q)	6
L Coleman (N)	7	4	11	J Gunn (W)	5
J Fields (Q)	8	3	11	J Cameron (V)	5
E Inglis (V)	5	4	9	C Smith (V)	5
A Dean (S)	3	1	4

PARTNERSHIPS

1	131	A Blackwell (75) & L Poulton (53)	NSW v SA	21/12/08
2	162*	A Blackwell (101*) * K Blackwell (64*)	NSW v SA	20/12/08
3	131	K Rolton (71) & K Britt (87)	SA v NSW	21/12/08
4	100	M Jones (87) & J Cameron (58)	VIC v NSW	19/1/09
5	78*	R Haynes (98*) & K Applebee (36*)	VIC v WA	10/1/09
6	67	A Jason-Jones (48*) & T Clapton (22)	SA v QLD	10/1/09
7	45*	J Gunn (24*) & R Farrell (27*)	WA v SA	29/11/08
8	47	K Rolton (100) & T Clapton (18)	SA v VIC	7/12/08
9	51	R Farrell (59*) & R Chappell (15)	WA v QLD	17/1/09
10	26	C Smith (16*) & J Franklin (17)	VIC v NSW	18/1/09

* denotes unbroken/not out

---

Twenty20 2008-09

DATE	TEAMS	VENUE	WINNER
Mon 22 Dec	SA v NSW	Adelaide Oval	NSW
Thu 8 Jan*	VIC v WA	MCG	WA
Fri 9 Jan*	QLD v SA	'gabba	QLD
Thu 15 Jan*	WA v QLD	WACA	QLD
Sat 17 Jan*	NSW v VIC	Sydney Olympic Park	VIC

* played as double-headers with men's KFC Twenty20 Big Bash

---

For more information and stats on Nationals, check out the Nationals/WNCL section under All 'n Sundry....

Past WNCL Results:

2007/2008 Results 2006/2007 Results 2005/2006 Results 2004/2005 Results 2003/2004 Results 2002/2003 Results
2001/2002 Results 2000/2001 Results 1999/2000 Results 1998/1999 Results 1997/1998 Results 1996/1997 Results