Gardner back as Breakers seek revenge in WNCL final
Breakers all-rounder Ashleigh Gardner has been cleared of concussion symptoms and will line up for NSW in their 23rd consecutive Women's National Cricket League final on Saturday.
Gardner was a late withdrawal from last week's bonus-point win over ACT, suffering a concussion during the warm-up.
But she has brushed the knock off and is fit, firing and ready to take on Queensland as NSW strive for yet another WNCL title.
"I’m fine, I think it was just more of a precautionary thing than anything," Gardner said.
"So I’m ready and raring to go."
Gardner's inclusion is a timely boost for NSW, who pride themselves on what is a remakable WNCL record.
The Breakers have never missed a final in the competition's history and should they emerge victorious on Saturday, they will have claimed title No.20.
"I've been lucky enough to win one WNCL final with this team and hopefully I can go two out of three in the WNCL competition," Gardner said.
"Playing in our 23rd final out of 23 (years) is a phenomenal feat and hopefully we can make it 20 out of 23 this weekend."
There will be no lack of motivation among the Breakers given their opponents consist largely of Brisbane Heat players.
They beat the Sydney Thunder in the WBBL semi-final before stunning the Sixers in sensational fashion in the decider and Gardner said the loss remains front of mind.
"Going down to the Brisbane Heat in the finals - both Sydney teams, respectively, lost to them - so we obviously have the extra fight," she said.
"We're playing for our state but we're also obviously going into the final knowing we really want to beat them even more so this year.
"Everyone is really ready to go. We're really ready for the fight on Saturday."
Australian glovewoman Alyssa Healy will skipper the side in the final for the first time, having stepped into the role this season after Alex Blackwell called time on her decorated career.
The match will also double as Elyse Perry's final match in sky blue.
The star all-rounder will head south at the end of this season after signing with Victoria to be closer to her husband, Wallabies playmaker Matt Toomua.
Toomua has signed with the Melbourne Rebels for the upcoming Super Rugby season, having plied his trade abroad for the Leicester Tigers since 2016.
Breakers: Alyssa Healy (c), Sarah Aley, Nicola Carey, Lauren Cheatle, Rene Farrell, Ashleigh Gardner, Maisy Gibson, Rachael Haynes, Ellyse Perry, Rachel Trenaman, Lauren Smith, Naomi Stalenberg, Belinda Vakarewa.
NSW Breakers v Konica Minolta Queensland Fire
Saturday, 10am, North Sydney Oval
Free entry