ACT Meteors captain Kris Britt credits off-season coaching sessions with Comets skipper Jono Dean for her improved batting, but her two half-centuries couldn't prevent a series whitewash against NSW.
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The Breakers completed a perfect three from three opening round of the Women's National Cricket League with a 27-run victory in their Twenty20 match at Blacktown on Sunday.
It's a harsh reality check for the Meteors after they upset the Breakers in last season's Twenty20 semi-finals to quality for the final for the first time, losing to Queensland in the decider.
The Meteors will have a fortnight to lick their wounds ahead of another testing assignment, hosting the star-studded Victoria side at Manuka Oval from October 24-26.
One of the positives was the performance of Britt, who finished with the weekend with an impressive average of 83.5 after scores of 73 not out, 74 and 20.
After a season she described as a "little shaky", Britt worked with Dean to get some pointers from the explosive Adelaide Strikers opener, who will again play in the Big Bash League this summer.
"He's definitely had a positive influence on my batting, so I owe him quite a lot," Britt said.
"Changing a little bit of my backswing and my stance at the crease.
"It's my mindset as well, knowing exactly how far I can hit the ball and when it comes at the backend of a T20, knowing I can clear the ropes with ease."
Chasing their first win of the weekend, the Meteors did a solid job containing the Breakers until Southern Stars all-rounder Ellyse Perry scored 47 from 43 balls to lift NSW to 4-141 from its 20 overs.
The Meteors couldn't generate any momentum with their run chase, fast bowler Rene Farrell top-scoring with 28 as they finished on 9-114, with Perry taking 3-20.
"NSW is the benchmark of the competition and to hit them first up is a good reality check for us from our off-season coming into the real stuff," Britt said.
"It shows us a real indication of where we're at and what we need to work on in two weeks' time.
"We've spoken about taking down the Victorian bowlers, especially at Manuka, but our bowlers will have to be on their game because they've got a great batting line-up."
WOMEN'S NATIONAL CRICKET LEAGUE: NSW Breakers 4-141 (Ellyse Perry 47 not out; Nicola Browne 2-24) bt ACT Meteors 9-114 (Rene Farrell 28; Ellyse Perry 3-20) at Blacktown International Sportspark on Sunday.
