The Veteran’s Perspective
At the age of 33, Sarah Coyte is a seasoned cricketer and one of the last remaining players from New South Wales’ (NSW) golden era of women’s domestic cricket. Winning six WNCL titles between 2010 and 2015, Coyte was part of the Breakers’ remarkable run of 10 consecutive championships across the 2000s and 2010s. "Back when NSW kept winning, it was just an expectation, because we had all the big names," Coyte told AAP. However, the landscape of women’s cricket has changed significantly since then. The program has undergone a complete transformation, with fewer established stars and a more fluid national team. "Now we have to fight and work so hard for it, and it shows," she added. Coyte’s journey has taken her from the peaks of dominance to the trenches of rebuilding, and now, she is poised to secure her 10th WNCL title in a career spanning 13 full seasons, including a mid-career break. "It would be the ultimate. It would mean everything for NSW to be back at the top, not just for me but for Cricket NSW to be back after having to rebuild," Coyte emphasized. Her resilience and continued pursuit of excellence are a testament to her enduring passion for the game and her unwavering commitment to NSW.
The New Generation’s Aspirations
For the current roster of NSW’s Breakers, the stakes are equally high. The team has had to rebuild over the past four to five years, navigating through a period marked by injuries and setbacks. Players like Sammy-Jo Johnson and Sam Bates, who are part of the new generation, have been working tirelessly to bring glory back to the state. Johnson, a senior fast bowler, shared her thoughts on the team’s journey. "The goal for me growing up was to play for NSW. That’s all I dreamt about, I just wanted to wear a baggy blue. But Queensland gave me an opportunity, and I wouldn’t have made a name for myself if I didn’t go chase it somewhere else," she said. Johnson and Bates, who also played for other states to gain exposure and experience, are now back with NSW, driven by the desire to contribute to a new chapter of success. "The history is very rich, but the cool thing about this group is we’ve forged our own path. We’ve gone through the struggles. We’ve had so many injuries … We’ve had to go through the grind," Johnson noted. The young players in the squad are equally motivated, knowing that a victory would not only bring a long-awaited title but also establish a new legacy for the state.
Queensland’s Unlikely Champions
Queensland, the team that will face NSW in the final, has its own unique story. After finishing as runners-up in last year’s decider, the team has been on a mission to secure its first title in the current WNCL format. Georgia Redmayne, Queensland’s captain, highlighted the challenges and opportunities of playing without any Australian internationals. "It’s disappointing— we would have loved her to play, and I know she would have loved to have played as well, but it’s a great opportunity for her and a good reward for her season so far," Redmayne said about Georgia Voll, who was called up to join the Women’s Premier League (WPL) in India. Despite the absence of big names, this situation opens the door for other players to step up and chase their lifelong dreams. Redmayne added, "The good thing about having so many players in and out is that we’ve been able to give a lot of opportunities to a lot of girls throughout the season. Everyone in our squad of 13 has played games this season, so everyone’s been there and been exposed to it— we’re not bringing new players into the team suddenly for a final so I think that bodes well for us."
A Team United by Adversity
The path to the WNCL final has been a testament to the strength and unity of both teams. NSW’s rebuild has been a collective effort, with players and coaching staff working in tandem to overcome the hurdles. The team’s resilience is evident, as they have managed to claw their way back to the top of the competition despite the absence of star players. Similarly, Queensland’s consistent performance throughout the season has shown that depth and teamwork can compensate for the lack of international experience. Redmayne praised her team’s adaptability and the camaraderie that has developed. "We’ve had a lot of players step up and grab their opportunities. It’s a young team, but they’ve shown a lot of maturity and determination," she said. Both teams are united by a common goal: to bring the trophy home and prove that they can compete at the highest level of domestic cricket.
The Significance of the Final
Sunday’s final is more than just a cricket match; it is a symbol of the growth and evolution of women’s domestic cricket in Australia. For NSW, a win would mark the end of a long period of rebuilding and signal a return to the top tier of the WNCL. It would also be a personal triumph for players like Coyte and Johnson, who have witnessed the highs and lows of the state’s cricket program. For Queensland, the final represents an opportunity for a new generation of players to etch their names in history. Up to six players in their XI are hunting their first title, which adds a layer of excitement and determination to the match. "The final is an opportunity for us to show what we can do under pressure and to make a statement," Johnson said. The sentiment is echoed by Redmayne, who believes her team is ready to embrace the moment. "We’ve prepared well, and everyone in our squad is hungry for this win. It’s a big day for women’s cricket, and we’re all excited to be a part of it," she added.
The Lineups and the Prospects
The lineups for the WNCL final showcase the depth and talent of both teams. Queensland’s squad, led by captain Georgia Redmayne, includes Charli Knott, Lily Bassingthwaighte, Lucinda Bourke, Sianna Ginger, Lilli Hamilton, Lucy Hamilton, Nicola Hancock, Laura Harris, Grace Parsons, Courtney Sippel, Lauren Winfield-Hill, and Mikayla Wrigley. Each player brings a unique skill set and a strong desire to win, making the team a formidable opponent. On the other side, NSW’s squad, captained by Georgia Adams, features Sam Bates, Maitlan Brown, Lauren Cheatle, Sarah Coyte, Hannah Darlington, Elsa Hunter, Sammy-Jo Johnson, Anika Learoyd, Claire Moore, Frankie Nicklin, Kate Pelle, and Tahlia Wilson. The Breakers are a blend of experience and youth, with players who have proven their mettle in various competitions and are now ready to face the challenge of the final. The match is expected to be a hard-fought battle, with both teams determined to leave a lasting impact on the competition. As the players take the field, the legacy of women’s cricket in Australia will be on the line, and the story of Sunday’s final will be one of passion, hard work, and the relentless pursuit of victory.
