ACA congratulates Rene Farrell on inclusion to WNCL All*Star Team ahead of final match

The ACA has released its 2019-20 WNCL All*Star Team of the Year, ahead of tomorrow's WNCL final between New South Wales and Western Australia.

Voted on by the players, the squad includes four members from Western Australia - Nicole Bolton, Chloe Piparo, Megan Banting and Emma King (12th) - while New South Wales has just the one selection; retiring champion Rene Farrell.

Farrell's career speaks for itself; representing Australia on 101 occasions, a member of winning World Cup, Ashes and WNCL winning sides. Farrell has also featured in several ACA Teams of the Year.

Farrell said that winning a spot in the WNCL Team of the Year was the perfect way to cap a distinguished career.

"Anytime that you are selected by your peers to be in a team of the year is pretty special," said Farrell.

"It has been a really enjoyable season and I think when you are enjoying your cricket you do well.

"I had a lot of good support around me at the Breakers, there has been a lot of young players that have stood up; the likes of Stella Campbell, Hayley Silver-Holmes have really come on in leaps and bounds."

With many of the Australian players unavailable during the parts of the WNCL, most positions in the 2019-20 Team of the Year were made up by Australia's domestic stars.

Victoria's Elyse Villani (300 runs @ 42.86) was rewarded for a stellar 2019-20 with the Captaincy of the side, opening alongside South Australia's Tahlia McGrath (261 runs @ 37.29).

Bridget Patterson (288 runs @ 48), Bolton (369 runs @ 46.13) and Piparo (365 runs @ 45) were included in the middle order, after outstanding campaigns.
Annabel Sutherland (221 runs @ 55 & 9 wickets) and Megan Banting (201 runs & 10 dismissals) enjoyed their first inclusions in an ACA Team of the Year.

While Farrell (17 wickets), Molly Strano (11 wickets), Megan Schutt (10 wickets) and Belinda Vakawera (11 wickets) would round out the bowling attack.

Emma King was rewarded for her 15-wicket season with being included as the 12th player.

Ahead of her final match tomorrow, Farrell said she would look upon the friendships she has made as the marker of success for her career.

"It's sad but I know it's time, my body knows it's the right time," Farrell said.

"I will certainly miss the girls and the playing the game; but the training and all that, I'm done with it!

"I am very proud of what I have been able to achieve.

"I love playing the game, I love winning, but I think the big thing for me is the friendships that I have created.

"You go through thick and thin together, and the way you play a part in their career and they play a part in yours, I think that is really special."

ACA General Manager Cricket Operations Brendan Drew congratulated Rene Farrell on her career.

"Being selected in the Team of the Year in her last season is a great way for Rene to leave the game," Drew said.

"It's great to see senior players like Rene continuing to dominate the WNCL; creating a strong competition where young players like Annabel Sutherland are tested."

The WNCL final begins at 10am tomorrow, at North Sydney Oval.

2019/20 WNCL ACA All*Star Team

1. Elyse Villani (VIC): 300 runs | 42.86 ave (c)
2. Tahlia McGrath (SA): 261 runs | 37.29 ave | 13 wickets | 21.38 ave | econ 4.46
3. Bridget Patterson (SA): 288 runs | 48 ave
4. Nicole Bolton (WA): 369 runs | 46.13 ave | 13 wickets | 21.31 ave | econ 4.01
5. Chloe Piparo (WA): 365 runs | 45.63 ave
6. Annabel Sutherland (VIC): 221 runs | 55.25 ave | 9 wickets |19.89 ave | econ 3.92
7. Megan Banting (WA) (WK): 201 runs | 50.25 ave | 3 stumpings | 7 catches
8. Rene Farrell (NSW): 17 wickets | 14.24 ave | econ 3.71
9. Molly Strano (VIC): 11 wickets | 23.45 ave | econ 3.69
10. Megan Schutt (SA): 10 wickets | 12.1 ave | econ 3.03
11. Belinda Vakarewa (TAS): 11 wickets | 21.18 ave | econ 3.24
12th - Emma King (WA): 15 wickets | 19.87 ave | econ 4.32