Learoyd Stars with Unbeaten Double as Gold Beat Green in Sydney Red-Ball Clash

Anika Learoyd delivered a commanding performance in the three-day Green vs Gold match, finishing unbeaten across both innings and leading the Gold side to a convincing 148-run victory in Sydney.

The New South Wales batter amassed a remarkable 210 runs in the match without being dismissed. She anchored the first innings with a superb 142 not out off 176 balls, before following it up with an unbeaten 68 in the second innings, underlining her growing stature in the domestic circuit.

Learoyd’s first-innings knock proved particularly crucial as Gold found themselves struggling at 112 for 6. She combined with 19-year-old teammate Lucy Finn to stitch together a vital 145-run partnership for the seventh wicket, rescuing the innings and shifting momentum in Gold’s favour.

Another standout performer was offspinner Frankie Nicklin, who played a decisive role with the ball. Nicklin claimed eight wickets in the match, including figures of 4 for 18 in the first innings and 4 for 26 in the second, as Green were bowled out for just 107 on the final day while chasing 256.

Nicklin’s first-innings spell helped Gold secure a 58-run lead, though Green showed resistance through a last-wicket stand of 64 between Hayley Silver-Holmes (53 not out) and Sophie Day (28).

In their second innings, Gold stumbled early to 53 for 5 before Learoyd once again steadied the innings. She shared an unbroken 69-run partnership with Hasrat Gill, setting up a declaration that left Green with a challenging target of 256 in 60 overs.

Green’s chase never gained traction, as Nicklin struck early blows, removing Emma de Broughe, Charli Knott, and Claire Moore to reduce them to 36 for 4. Fellow offspinner Lilly Mills then dismantled the middle order with three wickets, sealing Gold’s dominant win.

The match also marked the return of fast bowler Tayla Vlaeminck, who played her first competitive game since October 2024. She bowled 12 overs across both innings and made an early impact, taking a wicket in just her second over.

Despite recently losing her Cricket Australia central contract, Vlaeminck received strong backing from national selector Shawn Flegler, who emphasized that she remains in contention for future national selection, provided she maintains fitness and consistent match participation.

The match served as an important platform for both emerging and established players, with Learoyd’s exceptional performance standing out as the defining highlight of the contest.