Claire Koski and Lauren Cheatle were in the middle to score the winning runs that secured the Sydney Thunder the inaugural WBBL title.
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It is something the pair won’t forget as they enter their second season in the nation’s premier T20 competition.
This year’s Border Bash between the Thunder and the Melbourne Stars at Lavington Oval will be played for competition points, with the two clubs to first meet on Saturday in Sydney to kick-off their new campaign.
Koski, the Thunder’s wicketkeeper, is very excited to be playing the game at Albury.
"We tend to go to all the main grounds, so it's nice to be able to go out to those areas and play at grounds we haven't played at before,” Koski said.
"There are so many players in regional areas and it's fantastic to be able show them what we've got.
"I think it's going to be a really big challenge because they've got some absolutely talented players.”
Saturday’s clash with the Stars will be televised and WBBL fans won’t miss a second of the action with all 47 matches this season to be streamed live online.
We tend to go to all the main grounds, so it's nice to be able to go out to those areas and play at grounds we haven't played at before.
- Sydney Thunder wicketkeeper Claire Koski
“It's absolutely unbelievable,” Koski said.
“We didn't think that the WBBL01 would be as big as it was, so it really exceeded all our expectations.
“The fact we know how much exposure we've had in WBBL01 means we can be a little bit more mindful about it and really try to grow our game.”
An 18-year-old left arm pace bowler born in Sir Donald Bradman’s hometown of Bowral, Cheatle has often been compared to national superstar Ellyse Perry.
She was the youngest woman to ever be included in the NSW squad when she was picked as a 16-year-old.
The young star finished equal fourth on the WBBL01 wicket takers list with 18 at an average of 19.72.
Cheatle made her national debut in January 2016 against India and was part of the Southern Star’s WT20 World Cup squad, playing three matches.
She is eager to get back with the Thunder playing group for another season and is looking forward to Tuesday’s Border clash as she states in this video.
"We're all really excited to head to down to Albury,” Cheatle said.
“The ticket sales are going really quickly, so it's a good sign.
“I think it will be great for Albury as a community to see some top level cricket because not many games get played down there.
“I think we'll see a lot more fans and it will be really exciting to watch.”
