The first derby of WBBL|07 was forced to be cancelled as Launceston reported torrential rain on Saturday.
Rain is threatening to ruin a blockbuster weekend of WBBL cricket in Launceston, with the first derby match of the season already abandoned.
The Sydney Smash between the Sixers and the Thunder at UTAS Stadium was the third WBBL game on Saturday to be called off due to a wet outfield, forcing the defending champions to wait another day to take to the field.
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Saturday night’s match between the Perth Scorchers and Melbourne Renegades was also a washout, putting the final dampener on what was set to be a thrilling start to the weekend’s action.
The Thunder has played just the one match so far, a comprehensive defeat to the Adelaide Strikers last weekend, but all-rounder Lauren Smith says the scheduling could work to the side’s advantage.
“We’re really lucky to have most of our games televised, so we can see how the other teams play and get the information we need to play them,” Smith said.
“I think we got the good end of the stick with the scheduling.
“We know we’re going to have a pretty tight schedule coming into this back-end of the tournament, so I think a lot of the girls really took advantage of this rest that we had. But I think we’re all rested and ready to go and hopefully we’ll come out firing at the right time.”
The washout means the Thunder and Sixers share the points instead of the match being rescheduled, with the Thunder hoping its game against the Perth Scorchers on Sunday goes ahead without interruption.
The Thunder’s opening defeat has put some pressure on the side and, while Smith says the team has missed the experience and leadership of Rachael Haynes, the players are enjoying being led by the young Hannah Darlington.
“She is such a young player, but she’s a pretty knowledgeable cricketer,” Smith said.
“She’s very smart and gets on with everyone in the team. A lot of us players know our roles individually in the team, so hopefully that takes the stress off her hands as well. She’s coping with it really well and we love her leadership so far.”
Saturday’s match between the Melbourne Stars and Brisbane Heat at Invermay Park was abandoned due to torrential rain before a ball was bowled, while the earlier match at the same venue between the Adelaide Strikers and Hobart Hurricanes was called off after a lengthy rain delay during the first innings.
The Hurricanes had battled to 5-107 after 16 overs, with Darcie Brown (2-21) and Amanda-Jade Wellington (2-16) the standout bowlers for the Strikers.
South African Mignon du Preez top scored for the home side with 39 off 35 balls.
There are three matches scheduled to take place on Sunday, but rain is still expected to wreak havoc in Launceston for the rest of the weekend.
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