Breakers v Fire in WNCL Final

The Lend Lease Breakers (NSW) will take on the Queensland Fury in Sunday's final of the Women's National Cricket League on Sunday at the SCG.

The Breakers, who lost only one game during the regular season, overpowered the Western Fury in the first semi-final, winning by 110 runs. They notched up an impressive 331 for 5 in their 50 overs thanks in the main to a magnificent 135no (110) by Alex Blackwell, with support from Leah Poulton (52) and Alyssa Healey (51). None of the Fury bowlers could contain the Breakers' batters but Nicky Shaw ended with a respectable 2/48.

In reply the Fury lost wickets at regular intervals around the batting of opener Jenny Wallace, who was finally dismissed 4 runs short of the century she deserved. Ellyse Perry, Sarah Aley and Angela Reakes all took a couple of wickets each. The Fury, who contest the T20 final next week, were left well short on 221 for 8 at the end of their 50 overs.

In the other semi-final the Commonwealth Bank VicSpirit, already out of the T20 competition, failed to reach their first final in five years, as they succumbed to the high-flying Queensland Fury. Despite a star-studded line-up VicSpirit could only muster 209, being bowled out in 48 overs. Only Kelly Applebee (71) and Sarah Elliott (67) offered much resistance to the Fury attack which was lead by Jude Coleman (3/25) and the upcoming Jemma Barsby (3/43).

The Fury made light work of the target with openers Melissa Bulow (64) and Beth Mooney (64) putting on 128 for the first wicket and then Jodie Fields (51no) guiding the Fury into the final with plenty of overs to spare.

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