St George-Sutherland Slayers star Nicola Carey was named player of the final as NSW became Women’s National Cricket League champions for the 20th time on Saturday.
The Breakers secured the Ruth Preddy Cup with a 31-run victory over Queensland at North Sydney Oval.
All-rounder Carey was the heroine, making a dynamic 50 from 67 balls with the bat before snatching 3-39 with the ball, including the vital wicket of Australia opener Beth Mooney for 34, a dismissal that turned the match in favour of NSW.
Carey also shared in a 103-run partnership with Rachael Haynes for the third wicket, with opener Haynes top-scoring for NSW with 79 from 105 deliveries.
NSW made 7-259 from their 50 overs and were in control for the majority of Queensland’s run chase before the visitors were bowled out for 228 in the 48th over.
Another St George-Sutherland star, Rene Farrell, took 2-37 with the ball for NSW.
It was the first title for Australian wicketkeeper-batter Alyssa Healy as NSW captain in what was the final match for NSW for all-rounder Ellyse Perry before her move to Victoria.
NSW have now won the competition for all but three years since its inception and made the final in every one of its 23 seasons.
