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Heat on for finals-hero-turned-Scorcher

Jemma Barsby helped the Heat win the WBBL|05 title, now she's hoping to do the same job for the Perth Scorchers

At this point last season Jemma Barsby was bowling the Brisbane Heat to their maiden Women's Big Bash League final en route to their first title.

Come this weekend, she'll be trying to help steal it back off them for the Perth Scorchers.


WBBL Finals: Allan Border Field

First semi-final: Strikers v Scorchers, Saturday 10.10am (11.10am AEDT)

Second semi-final: Heat v Renegades, Saturday 1.50pm (2.50pm AEDT)

Final: SF1 v SF2, Sunday 1.40pm (2.40pm AEDT)

Tune in to the WBBL finals on the Seven Network, Fox Cricket, Kayo, the CA Live app or listen on ABC radio


Barsby is one of the Heat's heroes in their run to the women's crown last season, taking 3-23 at the death in their nail-biting last-ball semi-final win over the Sydney Thunder.

But she made the move to head to Perth for this summer's tournament, taking the Barsby name on the road after her father Trevor played 100 Sheffield Shield games for Queensland and also coached them.

"It definitely took a lot of people by surprise," Barsby said.

"But I spoke to my family about it and they were happy for me to move.

"I had their support which is always nice. I think it shocked a few people, but that's all part of it and you've got to do what's best for yourself.

"I felt like my cricket wasn't going anywhere and I wasn't getting the opportunities I liked.

"I thought while I was young and nothing was tying me there I may as well come here and give it a crack."

Barsby has no doubt she will be reminded of her move come this weekend at Brisbane's Allan Border Field.

She is still playing for Queensland in the Women's National Cricket League, and copped plenty of on-field flack when the teams met earlier in the season.

The Brisbane crowd was also quick to remind her of her move as she took 2-19 against her former team in Brisbane in October.

Perth will face Adelaide in Saturday's opening semi-final, and a possible date with Brisbane awaits in the decider if they win through over the Melbourne Renegades.

Joy and despair: Heat, Thunder stars recall THAT catch

But she's also hopeful her experience from last year's finals will pay off, especially if she's up against her old teammates.

"We've got to get through the Strikers first, but if it does come to that it would be a pretty cool game to play against them," she said.

"Hopefully they don't come out and win two in a row.

"Hopefully I can bring that experience (from last summer) and if I end up in a tough situation then I would be able to learn off that situation and bring it to the game."