NEW DEAL FOR COACH | Sorell Signs On For Heat

On the eve of the third final that the Fire and Heat have contested this season, the former Australian coach will look to lift the playing squad to greater heights in the next two years.

The Fire take on NSW Breakers at Allan Border Field this Sunday in a day/night clash to decide the 2024-25 Women’s National Cricket League title after finishing the regular season as minor premiers.

That achievement follows the Heat making the Final of the inaugural T20 Spring Challenge and the Weber Women’s Big Bash League earlier this season.

Sorell took over as head coach of the two programs last year when he replaced Ashley Noffke.

An assistant coach with the Fire and Heat and part of the QC pathways system for more than five years, Sorell began his coaching career with South Australia where he coached the State women’s and men’s teams.

He was Australian women’s coach between 2005 and 2007, with the squad winning 17 out of 21 One Day Internationals during that period.

Queensland Cricket CEO Terry Svenson said his retention was a boost for the Fire squad leading into the WNCL Final.

“It has been a strong season on and off the field for our women’s program and Mark’s excellent efforts as head coach have been acknowledged with a new two-year contract,’’ he said.

“He has an excellent rapport with our current squads as well as the exciting young talent that is flourishing in our elite cricket system. We’re delighted that Mark will continue to play a leading role in building a successful future for the Fire and the WBBL Heat programs.”

Rising stars Lucy Hamilton and Lilly Bassingthwaighte were members of the Australian Under-19 World Cup squad last month, while Grace Parsons, Charli Knott and Nic Hancock represented Australia ‘A earlier in the season’.

Georgia Voll, 21, made her international debut in all three formats in the Women’s Ashes series, scoring her maiden ODI century as well as being named Domestic Player of the Year at the Australian Cricket Awards.

Experienced duo Jess Jonassen and Grace Harris also had notable seasons, with Fire and Heat captain Jonassen the joint WBBL player of the year and Harris a match-winner in the Women’s Ashes T20 series.

Sorell said he was excited about the Fire being in the Final again after the team finished as runners-up last season to three-time champions Tasmania.

“The players have worked diligently to strengthen their individual skills this season as well as improving as a team,’’ he said.

“We’ve been competitive throughout all competitions this season and now we have the opportunity to play in another Final this weekend. The group continue to lift themselves and we’re looking forward to getting out on Allan Border Field this weekend and enjoying the experience.”

Sorell said he was heartened to be able to play a role in the continued growth of women’s cricket in Queensland.

“The hard work that our volunteers and coaches at the grassroots have put in over the past decade continues to deliver increased opportunities for girls, and cricket is the big winner because of that,’’ he said.

The WNCL decider will be a Day/Night match with the winner receiving the Ruth Preddy Cup.

NSW has won the bulk of WNCL titles since its inception in 1996-97 while Queensland won its inaugural championship in 2020-21.

It is the second time that Allan Border Field will have hosted the WNCL decider, with NSW winning the 2016-17 Final after Queensland had earned hosting rights that season.

Sunday's game starts at 1.35pm Qld time.