THE regular season of the WBBL09 campaign came to an end yesterday, as the finalists were confirmed and attention shifts to finals this week.

Adelaide Strikers up for finals with thumping win

Adelaide Strikers finished their regular season with a thumping win, defeating the Hobart Hurricanes by 77 runs. After posting 3/164, the Strikers then bowled out their hosts for a mere 87 runs.

The Strikers were led from the top by Laura Wolvaardt, who smashed nine boundaries on her way to 73.

The Hurricanes were their own worst enemies at times, conceding a whopping eight wides in a total of 15 extras. Nicola Carey was a rare shining light for the Hurricanes in their bowling innings, taking two of the three wickets that fell. Shabnim Ismail was the other wicket taker.

In reply, the Hurricanes made a solid start to their innings but once the first wicket fell the floodgates opened. Almost 40 per cent of the final tally was in that opening partnership as things fell apart for the Hurricanes after that. There were only four double digit scores from the Hurricanes, as Hayley Silver-Holmes top scored with 14.

For the Strikers, the wicket taking duties were shared evenly, with all bar one bowler used picking up a wicket. The pick of the bunch though was Tahlia McGrath with three to her name, while Jemma Barsby and Anesu Mushangwe each picking up two.

Perry power smashes Sixers to one final win

The Sydney Sixers finished their WBBL09 campaign on a high, defeating crosstown rivals the Thunder by nine wickets. The Thunder were bowled out for 123 on the penultimate ball of their innings, before the Sixers reached the target with two and a half overs to spare.

A 51-run second wicket stand was a brief ray of sunshine for the Thunder in their batting innings, as all other partnerships were no more than 23 runs, with most in the single figures. Heather Knight ultimately top scored for the Thunder with 38 runs.

Meanwhile the Sixers’ experienced heads were the chief destroyers with the ball, with Ash Gardner picking up four wickets, Linsey Smith two wickets and Ellyse Perry one.

Perry also had a day out with the bat, smashing 10 fours and three sixes on her way to 82 not out. This left Suzie Bates and later Gardner with not much to do as the skipper powered her side home.

Hannah Darlington was the sole wicket taker for the Thunder. The win was a bittersweet one for the Sixers, as they still fell agonisingly short of dislodging their crosstown rivals from a spot in the finals.

WBBL09 Finals Fixture

The Eliminator – 28th November – Brisbane Heat vs Sydney Thunder – WACA Ground

The Challenger – 29^th November – Perth Scorchers vs Heat/Thunder – WACA Ground

The Final – 2nd December – Adelaide Strikers vs Winner of the Challenger – Adelaide Oval