Piparo set for a date with destiny

Bunbury-raised cricketer Chloe Piparo is preparing for the biggest game of her career when the Western Fury play in Saturday’s Women’s National Cricket League final.

The Fury will play in their first decider in 18 years when they take on the New South Wales Breakers at Blacktown International Sportspark in Sydney.

It will be a tough task for the Fury to win their first 50-over championship, with the Breakers going for their 19th title in 22 seasons.

The Breakers went through the year undefeated and boast international stars in Belinda Clark medallist Ellyse Perry, Alyssa Healy, Rachel Haynes and the retiring Alex Blackwell.

Last time the two sides met, the Breakers claimed a three-wicket win thanks to Healy who scored 99 in their successful chase of 239, in WA’s only loss for the year.

Piparo said the team was excited about playing in the final.

“We are trying not to get too excited, we want to stay calm heading into the weekend,” she said.

Piparo said despite the Breakers’ dominance, she believed the Fury could win the final.

“I think if we play our best cricket we can beat anyone,” she said.

“Obviously they are a really good team, but if you want to win finals you have to beat the best teams.

“We know what we have to do and if we go out and play our style of cricket, we can win.”

Piparo, 23, has had her best season yet for WA, scoring 233 runs in six matches at an average of 46.60, including a top score of 88.

“It has been my most consistent year,” she said.

“I have really enjoyed opening the batting and getting amongst the runs and contributing to the team’s success.

“We do that much training and preparation we back ourselves against any team of bowlers.”

It has been a remarkable turnaround for the Fury, who did not win a game last season.

Piparo said she believed the team had matured a lot in the past 12 months and that had contributed to their change in fortunes.

“We have done the same amount of work but we have more experience,” she said.

“Everyone has stepped up and been consistent.

“We haven’t relied on any one player.

“I think in the past we relied on certain players to make the runs or take the wickets.

“But it has been really even across the board this season and that is what has stood out.”