NSW Breakers have claimed a record eighth successive Women’s National Cricket League title in a rain-affected 15-run victory over Queensland Fire at the SCG.

Set 233 for victory, NSW were 4-135 after 27 overs, with captain Alex Blackwell 42 (off 63 balls) and Sarah Coyte 8 (off 11 balls) unbeaten at the crease when the players left the field due to rain on Sunday.

With play unable to resume due to the inclement weather, the match was officially abandoned at 5.30pm with NSW handed victory via the Duckworth-Lewis method, 15 runs ahead of the par score of 120.

After losing Leah Poulton (12 off 15 balls) early in their chase to be 1-25, NSW steadied before Delissa Kimmince claimed the wickets of Rachael Haynes (36 off 33) and Lisa Sthalekar (1 off 11) in successive overs to reduce the hosts to 3-74 in the 15th over.

But with rain threatening Blackwell and Alyssa Healy (22 off 32) combined for a 45-run fourth wicket stand to keep the defending champions ahead of the required rain adjusted targets.

Healy fell two overs before play was suspended but NSW remained in command.

After the victory Blackwell paid tribute to her players’ determination.

“Queensland came out at us pretty hard and put on a decent total for us to chase,” she said.

“We had to bat sensibly with the rain around and we were really happy with how we approached our innings. We had to be positive, but not lose wickets and that can sometimes be a tricky balance. One more wicket before the rain came and we could’ve been behind.”

After struggling to 6-168 Queensland managed to post a competitive total of 7-232 off their allotted 50 overs, thanks largely to an unbeaten 102 (off 122 balls) to Jodie Fields.

Jemma Barsby was second top-scorer for the Fire with 27 off 29 balls.

A strong all-round bowling effort from the Breakers kept the Fire in check for much of the innings.

Coyte was the leading bowler for NSW, claiming 2-34 off her 10 overs.

For Queensland Kimmince led the way with 2-16 off five overs.

NSW and Queensland last met in the finals back in 2005-06, with the Breakers winning that best-of-three series 2-1, beating Queensland by just two runs in the decider.

That victory started the Breakers’ record streak of eight consecutive WNCL titles.