A composed all-round performance from Abbey Taylor led Waratah-Mayfield to a thrilling five-wicket victory over Newcastle City in the Women’s T20 Cup Final at No.1 Sportsground.

After winning the toss and electing to bowl, Waratah-Mayfield kept Newcastle City to 5/108 from their 20 overs. Newcastle City captain Kirsten Smith anchored the innings superbly with 51 from 54 balls, striking six boundaries and holding the innings together through the middle overs. Lily Railz added a valuable 22, but Waratah-Mayfield’s bowlers ensured the total remained within reach.

The wickets were shared across the attack, with Jaclyn Vickery, Eliza Bunner, Abbey Taylor and Vanessa McNeil each picking up a wicket to keep pressure on the Newcastle City batting lineup.

Chasing 109 for victory, Waratah-Mayfield were steadied by a match-winning innings from Abbey Taylor, who produced a calm and controlled 46 from 44 balls, including four boundaries and two sixes. Taylor’s innings proved the backbone of the chase after early wickets threatened to derail the pursuit.

Newcastle City fought hard to defend their total, with Chelsea Dowdell producing an outstanding spell of 2/10 from four overs, while Charlotte Kelly and Christine Fernance each claimed a wicket to keep the pressure on.

With the match hanging in the balance late in the innings, Eliza Bunner (4*) and Skye Lovett (8*) held their nerve to guide Waratah-Mayfield to 5/109 in 18.5 overs, sealing victory with seven balls to spare.

For her match-winning innings and key contribution with the ball, Abbey Taylor was named Player of the Final, capping a standout performance in a tightly contested Women’s T20 Cup decider.