Learoyd starts domestic pre-season in strong form for Breakers

Callan Morse Published September 8, 2025 at 3.30pm (AWST)

Sport

Anika Learoyd top scored with 80 (74) in for New South Wales' white ball trial match at the weekend. (Image: Jason McCawley/Getty Images)

Anika Learoyd has put her hand up for potential higher honours after starting the domestic season in strong form at the weekend.

The 23-year-old top scored for New South Wales in their first white ball trial match of the pre-season.

Batting at her usual No. 3, Learoyd compiled 80 (74) in New South Wales' 10/253 against South Australia at Maroochydore's Elizabeth Daniels Park.

Learoyd struck 11 boundaries in her innings, partnering with Claire Moore (42 from 59) for the majority of her dig in a 99-run third wicket stand - the highest of the innings.

Despite Learoyd's strong performance New South Wales were comprehensively defeated by South Australia, bowled out in pursuit of 6/334 in the 43rd over to go down by 81 runs.

Opener Bridget Patterson's 118 (98) set the victory up for South Australia, with middle order batters Maddie Penna (68 from 56) and Eleanor Larosa (55* from 53) also in the runs.

Learoyd took 1/42 (6) with her leg-spin, picking up Ellie Johnston (25 from 23), late in South Australia's innings.

The following day Learoyd was dismissed cheaply in New South Wales' 59-run victory over Queensland.

Again batting at No 3., the Gumbaynggir all-rounder scored 11 (15) before being trapped LWB by Ayaka Stafford (3/55).

New South Wales posted a modest 10/170 in 35.4 overs before going on to bundle Queensland out for 111 inside 32 overs.

Learoyd went unused with the ball.

Queensland's Clodagh Ryall was part of Queensland's squad however did not feature in the playing XI.

Elsewhere on Sunday Emma Manix-Geeves posted a start in Tasmania's loss to Victoria

Opening the innings at Ron McMullen Oval Manix-Geeves compiled a patient 28 (44) before being stumped from the bowling of Hasrat Gill, who took an innings best 5/32.

Ella Hayward was also in the wickets, taking an economical 2/33 from her 10 overs.

Victoria chased down Tasmania's 9/230, highlighted by Rachel Trenaman's 107 (126) with two wickets and 13 overs to spare.

Batting in the middle order, Hayward managed just 5 (12) with the bat before being dismissed by fellow off-spinner Lauren Smith (2/39).

Trial matches continue on Monday with Queensland facing Victoria and Tasmania up against South Australia.