The NSW Metropolitan side clinched the national title with yet another victory over rivals Victoria in the playoff for first place at Eastern Oval on Tuesday.

A 61-run success continued the state’s stranglehold on the event, which dates back to 2004-05. NSW reached 8-143 from its allotted 50 overs and then took early wickets in Victoria’s innings to always look in control. 

The Vics were eventually bundled out for just 82, with an edge to wicket-keeper Hannah Trethewy sealing the result in the 41st over.

Triumphant captain Mikayla Hinkley said it was a relief that the side proved it was just as strong as other teams from NSW in years gone by.

“All of the hard work has paid off and all of the mental side of it has paid off too.

“Being captain, you have a lot on your shoulders and, at the end of the day, when you win it is all taken off and you have done your job,” she said.

“I was just proud of not only myself but the girls for pulling it off in the end.”

Hinkley said despite losing to Victoria in round one, the team was confident it could reverse the result after reaching second place on the ladder and securing a spot in the decider thanks to some bonus-point victories along the way.

Other playoff matches on Tuesday saw Queensland comfortably beat South Australia to finish third, ACT/NSW Country sneaked home by one wicket to grab fifth against Western Australia and Victoria Invitational XI claimed win number one for the carnival, beating Tasmania to reach 

seventh.

Scoreboards page 35