WBBL finals proceeds to go to Dolly’s Dream anti-bullying initiative

Australian teammates Rachael Haynes and Ash Gardner are happy to put aside the niceties to get the job done in the WBBL, but that doesn’t mean things will get personal.

Teammates and rivals, Rach Haynes and Ash Gardner want the finals to also promote kindness. Pic: Richard Dobson

RACHAEL Haynes and Ash Gardner would like nothing more than to be facing off as rivals in next week’s WBBL finals.

The Australian teammates are happy to put aside the niceties to get the job done for their domestic team on the cricket pitch, but that doesn’t mean things will get personal.

In fact, the first stand-alone WBBL finals series — which features a double header at Drummoyne Oval on Saturday — is about promoting kindness as the top four teams battle for the chance to take out the fourth season’s title.

WBBL and Dolly’s Dream — an anti-bullying initiative in honour of Amy ‘Dolly’ Everett who took her own life because of bullying — have teamed up for the finals and all proceeds from this Saturday and next week’s decider to go to the charity.

Rivals on-field, the WBBL semi-final teams are also keen to promote kindness for Dolly’s Dream.Pic: Richard Dobson

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For ambassador Haynes, the message being delivered is one that can hit with everyone.

“I think unfortunately it probably is something that everyone experiences at some point in their life, particularly when you’re a bit younger and at school and have peer groups people are trying to impress,” Haynes said.

Gardner added: “Especially in females, I know there’s probably a number of cricketers playing in this WBBL who probably suffered from bullying in their life.”

Haynes raises the bat for her last-start half-century. Pic: Getty Images

That’s why they hope they can do their bit for the fans who turn out to support them and the cause.

They plan to do so by continuing their scintillating form that resulted in Sixers and Thunder finishing in the top two spots this year and should they bring their best on Saturday it will mean a repeat all-Sydney final like was fought out in season one.

Sixers have won the past two titles, but Thunder took out the first and they are desperate to finish on top again.

“We’ve come this far, you definitely want to make sure you go all the way,” said Haynes, who scored 57 in her side’s loss to Brisbane Heat last week.

Gardner (right) and Ellyse Perry have the Sixers’ top order in shape. Pic: AAP

“T20 cricket, it’s a bit cliche, but it can be a bit fickle at times, but there has been a real determination in our team given we won the first year and still quite a few of that core group is amongst us now.

“We just missed out the next couple of years so we’re really keen to make sure we secure a finals place come Saturday afternoon.”

Both Sixers and Thunder had final round losses to remind them of the uncertainty of the T20 format.

Sixers aren’t concerned by their shock stumble against Melbourne Stars on Monday, but there will be none of that against Renegades tomorrow.

Drummoyne Oval will host both WBBL semi-finals.Pic: Richard Dobson

“We tried to go a little bit harder but I don’t think that really came off because we were in two minds whether to go hard or not to,” Gardner said.

“We know what we do well works so we won’t shy away from that at the weekend.”

Thunder and Heat start proceedings on Saturday with the highest ranked winner from the semi-finals to earn hosting rights for the final, next Saturday, January 26.

WBBL SEMI-FINALS — DRUMMOYNE OVAL

Saturday, January 19

10.40am Thunder v Heat

1.50pm Sixers v Renegades

Originally published as WBBL finals proceeds to go to Dolly’s Dream anti-bullying initiative