They defeated Queensland by just five runs in what was a scintillating contest in the Red Centre, extending the team’s winning streak to 10 consecutive years.

Darney,  representing the Blues for the third year running, said she was thrilled to be part of a victorious outfit again.

“It’s always great to be part of a winning team, especially when it’s with such a great group of girls,” Darney said.

Playing in just their second Championships in the women’s division and their first Grand Final, the Queensland side made it to the final after a six-wicket victory against the Northern Territory. 

Queensland put NSW in to bat after winning the toss and the Blues lost the wicket of opener Roxsanne Van-Veen early on.

Darney and Hannah Darlington put NSW in a strong position at the mid-way point of the innings with an 83-run partnership between them, knocking up 59 from 48 balls and 28 from 35 balls respectively. 

The NSW side finished at 5/134 in their 20 overs.

When Queensland took to the crease, openers Tamika Hansen and Carly Fuller steered their side to 43 runs at the end of the fifth over before Hansen was run out. 

Shareene Ferrier scored 25 runs from 26 balls, keeping Queensland in the hunt.

The side needed 12 runs from the final over, but NSW bowlers Jemma Astley held her nerve to restrict Queensland to 9/129 and help New South Wales retain the title. 

Darney said she knew her side would play Queensland in the final if they were to reach it.

“We played them in the first match of the tournament.

“We put up a really good total and they nearly chased it down,” she said.

Darney said she’ll be heading back to uni and hopefully will be able to fit in a few more matches with her her St George-Sutherland side in Sydney before the winter break.