Strikers host Heat at Adelaide Oval to launch WBBL season 10, title defence
WBBL season 10 kicks off with a replay of last year’s nailbiting final – and Adelaide’s star opener is calling on locals to pack the stands. Here’s the info you need to know about the match.
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A shot at an unprecedented three-peat looms large over the Adelaide Strikers this WBBL season – and there’ll be no ignoring it within the group thanks to one particular player.
“Schutter (Megan Schutt) is normally one to bring it up,” teammate Katie Mack said, laughing.
If Schutt’s form in the latest T20 World Cup is any indication, she will be one to watch when the Strikers begin their title defence at Adelaide Oval on October 27 (1.10pm start). They’ll face the team they defeated by three runs in last year’s final – the Brisbane Heat.
Captain Tahlia McGrath and South African star Laura Wolvaardt top scored in the Strikers’ second-straight title win, while Amanda-Jade Wellington was the pick of the bowlers.
But Brisbane was victorious in the sides’ T20 Spring Challenge match-up at Karen Rolton Oval last week, chasing down the Strikers’ score of 175 with six wickets in hand, thanks to a blistering 96 from 55 balls from Heat opener Georgia Redmayne.
Mack – who top scored for the Strikers in this contest, with 47 – expected the teal team to be one her side’s biggest threats this season and urged fans to pack Adelaide Oval to witness the next chapter of their rivalry.
“They will feel like they have something to prove coming into this game whereas I think for us, it will be a bit more enjoyable,” said the 31-year-old batter on the verge of her sixth season for the Strikers.
“We’re back at Adelaide Oval. We don’t get to play there very often, especially this early in the season, so it would be great to have a big home crowd there.
“(This match) will be a good test for us.”
Mack said she was looking forward to having Wolvaardt and high-profile recruit Smriti Mandhana,who arrives next month, alongside her at the top of the order.
“(Mandhana) is just a batter you can bank on,” Mack said of the India superstar. “She’s a 360 player, a big hitter as well as someone who can work the ball into the gaps.
“And I always love batting with Laura.”
With McGrath, Schutt and pace bowler Darcie Brown also joining the Strikers from the World Cup squad, and young gun Maddie Penna in fine batting form, Mack said there was no reason the Strikers couldn’t make it three in a row.
“We have a great team on paper,” she said. “And we’ve obviously done it before, so we know we can.”
The Adelaide Strikers will take on Brisbane Heat at Adelaide Oval, 1.10pm on October 27. Tickets available via Ticketek.
Other events in Adelaide on the final weekend of October
Chihuly in the Botanic Garden
Already a natural wonder, the Adelaide Botanic Garden has been further transformed with the addition of a touch of glass.
Renowned glass artist Dale Chihuly’s Garden Cycle Exhibition – a collection of vibrant large-scale sculptures is making its Australian debut, exclusive to Adelaide. On until April 29, the unique display provides the chance to see the gardens in a different light.
While there is free entry to the outside exhibition during the day, various ticketed events – including night-time experiences – provide a fresh insight into Adelaide’s city garden paradise. Chihuly Nights is a ticketed event that features dramatic nocturnal lighting, held from 6.45pm to 10pm each Thursday to Saturday.
Advertiser readers can buy discount Chihuly Nights tickets for $20 in October-November using the code advertiser@chihulynights Book at events.humanitix.com/chihuly-nights
botanicgardens.sa.gov.au
AFLW: Adelaide Crows v Kangaroos
Two of the strongest contenders for the 2024 AFLW premiership go head-to-head at Norwood Oval at 7.15pm on Friday.
Both sides have stars on every line, including midfield guns Ebony Marinoff and Anne Hatchard for Adelaide, and Ash Riddell and Jasmine Garner for North.
And the Crows will be seeking revenge after the Roos knocked them out of last year’s finals by a solitary point, so the clash is shaping up to be one of the season’s most compelling.
Tickets $15 for adults, free for children under 18 via Ticketmaster. afl.com.au
Go Grease Lightning
It’s the one that you want. After a successful season at Adelaide’s iconic Her Majesty’s Theatre, the curtain is about to come down on the latest production of hit musical Grease, with the final shows this weekend.
However, if you go like greased lightning, you still might be able to grab a ticket to enjoy some summer-lovin’ fun.
adelaidefestivalcentre.com.au/whats-on/grease
Seafood Festival
Come to The Bay to enjoy a taste of what makes South Australian seafood so special. The Sea to Shore Seafood Festival is returning for its third year as a weekend-long event on Saturday and Sunday. Curated by Adelaide restaurateur and MasterChef star Laura Sharrad, the event will showcase SA’s finest seafood at one of the state’s favourite coastal destinations. A demonstration kitchen will give guests the chance to see live cooking demonstrations and hear from a variety of producers.
seatoshore.com.au
NBL: Adelaide 36ers v Cairns Taipans
Crowds have been packing into the Adelaide Entertainment Centre to watch the 36ers this year – and it should be no different when the club takes on fellow middle-of-the-table side Cairns at 7pm on Friday. Former NBA Sixth Man of the Year Montrezl Harrell will be a player to watch for Adelaide, having quickly become a fan favourite for regularly racking up double-doubles. Tickets are from $33 for adults, $16 for juniors via Ticketek.
adelaide36ers.com
Live music
Ever fallen in love with someone you shouldn’t have fallen in love with? If so, you might enjoy catching the band behind that seminal slice of 1978 power-pop, The Buzzcocks, when they take to the stage at popular live venue The Gov on Saturday.
thegov.com.au
Asia celebration
Adelaide’s popular celebration of all-things Asia, the OzAsia Festival, started this week and runs until November 10. Lighting up the opening weekend will be a number of attractions, including the ever-popular Moon Lantern Trail. This celebration of harvest festival traditions and stories from across Asia features a mix of giant lanterns and dance with food, roving performers, puppets, music and kids’ workshops in Tarntanya Wama/Pinky Flat. The Hong Kong Dragon lantern will be among the many attractions. Entry is free.
4WD and adventure show
Planning to spend some time in the great outdoors during the summer holidays? In that, case a visit to the Adelaide 4WD and Adventure Show – at the Adelaide Showground from Friday to Sunday – is a must-visit. A showcase of everything for the adventurer, the weekend extravaganza is a one-stop shop for must-have equipment and expert advice relating to four-wheel driving, caravanning camping, boating and fishing.
adelaide.4wdshow.com.au
A-League: Adelaide United FC v Central Coast Mariners FC
Adelaide has a tough assignment for round 2 of the 2024-25 A-League season, coming up against last year’s champions the Central Coast Mariners at Coopers Stadium in Hindmarsh, from 4.30pm on Saturday.
Meanwhile, the women’s team opens its season, against Melbourne Victory, the following weekend, on Saturday, November 2, at ServiceFM Stadium in Gepps Cross.
adelaideunited.com.au
Originally published as Strikers host Heat at Adelaide Oval to launch WBBL season 10, title defence
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