Cheatle's crucial play helps New South Wales secure WNCL title

New South Wales emerged victorious against Queensland in a thrilling match, with a final score of 215 runs to 194 runs. Learoyd was the star performer for New South Wales, scoring an impressive 80 runs, while Parsons and Hamilton shone with the ball taking 3 wickets each. Redmayne put up a valiant effort for Queensland, scoring 97 runs, but ultimately fell short as New South Wales secured a 21-run victory.

New South Wales snared their 21st WNCL title after defeating Queensland by 21 runs, and it was largely thanks to a freakish run-out.

Anika Learoyd cracked 80 off 110 balls and Claire Moore chipped in with 33 as NSW were bowled out for 215 in 48 overs at Allan Border Field on Sunday,

In reply, Queensland opener Georgia Redmayne posted 97 off 122 balls to give them a genuine shot at victory. But disaster struck in the 41st over with Queensland  173 for 7 and still needing 43 more runs for victory.

Redmayne was at the non-striker's end when Nicola Hancock smashed Lauren Cheatle's delivery straight back at the bowler. Cheatle dropped the return catch, but the ball deflected off her hands and onto the stumps, catching a stunned Redmayne well out of her crease.

That's a brutal way to get out on 97... #WNCL pic.twitter.com/kFV1uSSOeA

Queensland's tail didn't last much longer, with NSW players celebrating wildly when Queensland were bowled out for 194 in the 47th over.

It marks the first time NSW have lifted the Ruth Preddy Cup since 2018-19.

Cheatle, Sammy-Jo Johnson, Sam Bates and captain Georgia Adams all played important roles with the ball for NSW. Queensland were left kicking themselves after slumping from 135 for 2 in the 30th over.

Redmayne was in fine form, but Sianna Ginger (36) and Charli Knott (14) were the only other batters to make it to double figures for Queensland.

NSW veteran Sarah Coyte now has 10 WNCL titles across three different states.  The 33-year-old won six competitions with NSW between 2010 and 2015, one with South Australia after that, then a further two with Tasmania.

Her latest triumph is extra special, given the long wait between drinks for a NSW organisation accustomed to success.