Konica Queensland Fire set for premiers

The Konica Queensland Fire will look to avenge their loss in last season's final series when they take on the New South Wales Blues in a double-header at Drummoyne Oval in Sydney this weekend in round two of the Women's National Cricket League (WNCL).

The only change to the team sees Wynnum allrounder Heidi Thompson replace Fire and Australian allrounder Tricia Brown who is out for four weeks with a side-strain.

Also shaping up against the 2000-2001 premiers is Australian left-hander Sally Cooper who will be hoping to repeat her efforts in last season's Final series when she top scored in the Queensland team with a swashbuckling 78 not out.

WNCL leading wicket-taker Cindy Kross, Leonie Shields and vice-captain Bronwyn Buckley, all with experience from the 2000-2001 finals, will be joined by two members of the Konica Queensland Under-19 team in Gold Coast off-spinner Belinda Matheson and Sunshine Coast pace bowler Kirsten Pike.

Former Australian allrounder Megan White, who has returned to Brisbane this season, and pace bowler Renee Lee will also bolster the bowling attack.

New South Wales, currently on top of the ladder, will be looking to continue their winning form while shooting for their sixth WNCL Championship. However they are minus Australian captain Belinda Clark who shifted to Victoria during the off-season. Clark top-scored in both innings for Victoria in their two wins over Queensland at Allan Border Field in the opening round of the WNCL earlier this month.

The teams will play limited over matches on Saturday and Sunday.

KONICA QUEENSLAND FIRE v New South Wales Blues, Drummoyne Oval, Saturday and Sunday: Julia Price (captain), Bronwyn Buckley (vice-captain), Melissa Bulow, Belinda Matheson, Sally Cooper, Megan White, Jodie Purves, Leonie Shields, Cindy Kross, Renee Lee, Kirsten Pike, Heidi Thompson.