National selection leaves NSW vulnerable as Tasmania looks to break competition powerhouse

NSW are the undisputed queens of women’s domestic cricket, having claimed their 20th national title last year. But with a top order decimated due to higher honours, Tasmania has its sights set on causing a boilover

Nicola Carey will leave a hole in Tasmania’s line up against NSW. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

TASMANIA may never get a better chance to slay the WNCL giant as it looks to finish its campaign in a positive fashion this week.

The Tigers head to North Sydney Oval for tomorrow’s clash with top of the table NSW — which is missing T20 World Cup stars Alyssa Healy, Rachael Haynes, Ashleigh Gardner and Erin Burns.

While the loss of Nicola Carey from their own ranks is a blow for the visitors, coach Salliann Briggs is confident that if the side can match its performances against Victoria two weeks ago then it can give the Breakers a serious test.

“We are really pleased with how we performed against Victoria. We knew we were up against a big side but we competed really well,” Briggs said.

“Unfortunately, the weather wasn’t on our side but we have taken a lot of confidence from that going into this round.

“Obviously we are without Nic Carey but NSW are missing a few players as well so it should be a really competitive game.

Meg Phillips celebrates after taking a wicket against South Australia last month. Picture: Mark Brake/Image AAP

“We know this a great chance for us to steal some points off NSW, unfortunately we can’t make the final now but we want to be up there just to show we are developing as a team.”

The absence of Carey puts more onus on leaders Corinne Hall, Meg Phillips and opener Holly Armitage to shoulder the workload, while Maisy Gibson flashed her ability with the ball in the second match against Victoria with an unbeaten 57 from just 40 balls.

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However, Briggs will look to a settled bowling unit to restrict the hosts.

“Our bowling attack has been pretty consistent all year, we know batters won’t get away from us because we have good skill execution. We just have to make sure we are picking up those wickets early on, which we have failed to do.”

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