Extra motivation for two of Hobart’s newest faces as they meet former teammates for first time

The Hobart Hurricanes will be looking to get their WBBL campaign back on track when they meet the Sydney Thunder in what will be the first meeting for two recruits against their former side.

Belinda Vakarewa bowls during the Women's Big Bash League match between the Adelaide Strikers and the Hobart Hurricanes at Allan Border Field on October 26, 2019 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

TWO of Hobart’s WBBL recruits will have an extra element of motivation this weekend when they square off against old teammates for the first time.

The Hurricanes bolstered their ranks in the off season with the addition of leg spinner Maisy Gibson and seamer Belinda Vakarewa — both former Sydney Thunder products.

Maisy Gibson will meet her former Sydney Thunder teammates for the first time this weekend (Photo by Albert Perez/Getty Images)

The duo have played important roles for the Canes through the first four games, and coach Salliann Briggs believes they will be eager to prove a point in the matches at Burnie’s West Park.

“We’re playing a team that we know a lot about, there’s a lot of girls that have come from Thunder into this team,” Briggs said.

“I think they’ll definitely want to stamp their authority on it because a lot of those girls as well, although they’ve played in around New South Wales and Thunder, probably feel that they’ve not had key roles there.

“This is why they’re here, to be contributing to this team, into making this team really successful.

“They will want to prove themselves, no doubt, they’ve got some good friends in that team as well but it will be eyes on the prize as always.”

After opening WBBL|05 with back-to-back impressive victories against the Melbourne Stars, Hobart crashed back to earth last weekend against Adelaide and Brisbane.

And while the variety in the bowling attack continues to shine, the batting group needs to deliver.

“We’ve had a good meeting to work out what our plans should be leading into Burnie this weekend,” Briggs said.