Carey, Graham magic steers Tigers to WNCL title trifecta
Fine all-round displays from Nicola Carey and Heather Graham ensured Tasmania Tigers further enhanced their legacy with a third straight WNCL title with victory over Queensland in Saturday’s final.
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Tasmania Tigers further etched themselves into the state’s sporting folklore after masterclasses from Nicola Carey and Heather Graham sealed a WNCL title trifecta with a six-wicket win over Queensland in Saturday’s final.
The Tigers’ experienced guns led the way, with Carey’s unbeaten ton (111no off 135) and Graham’s 63 off 75 delivering the hosts a third straight trophy at Blundstone Arena.
The Australia representatives engineered a 132-run third wicket partnership to ensure the Tigers chased down the Fire’s 7-248 with 14 balls to spare.
They also did the job with the ball, with Graham taking 3-39 and Carey 1-47 to restrict Queensland after its innings got off to a quick start.
Their composure in what could have been a tricky run chase under finals pressure was crucial as their big game experience shone through.
The Tigers’ case to be remembered as one of the greatest teams the state has seen also only intensified with the win.
For Carey, named in the WNCL team of the year this week, her knock was the icing on a superb year as she continues to press a strong case for an international recall.
She officially won the title with a boundary over mid-on, sparking celebrations from her teammates.
“I’m relieved, that was so bloody stressful out there,” Carey said.
“I felt scratchy but Heather and even ‘EMG’ (Emma Manix-Geeves) the way she batted made my life so much easier.
“I love batting with Heather, it’s always good fun. She makes it look really easy and I make it look a bit harder.
“We’ve got an incredible group, and hopefully we can stick together a bit longer.”
Earlier, Fire youngster Charlie Knott chose a fine time to belt her highest WNCL score, cracking 73 off just 61 balls after her side’s momentum stalled through the middle overs.
But she was left to rue dropping Carey, when she was on just 29, at point off the bowling of Courtney Sippel.
The Fire ensured a nervous finish when Georgia Voll (3-56) dismissed Graham and Naomi Stalenberg (0) in the 38th over to reduce the Tigers to 4-182.
But Launceston product Emma Manix-Geeves (28 off 24) held her nerve alongside Carey to ice the win.
Young Queensland seamer Lucy Hamilton (0-28 off ten overs) was the pick of the Fire’s bowlers despite going wicketless.
The win capped another dominant campaign by Tasmania who lost just two games all campaign.
They are the only state outside of New South Wales, who previously dominated the league with 20 wins, to boast at least three titles.
The Fire’s opening batters Georgia Redmayne and Voll (33) got the visitors off to a strong start with a 52-run opening partnership.
Tasmania’s bowlers were able to reduce the run rate through the middle overs, before Knott’s late aggression gave them a competitive total.
WNCL FINAL
Tasmania 4-249 off 47.4 overs (N Carey 111no, H Graham 63, G Voll 3-56) def Queensland 7-248 (C Knott 73, M Hinkley 33, G Voll 33, H Graham 3-39)
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