This is the sentiment that both the Sydney Sixers and their cross-town nemesis, the Sydney Thunder will take in their match in Launceston on Saturday.

While neither team will get the play the Sydney derby in their hometown, the desire to be the best team in the city isn't lessened by location.

Although, this isn't a rivalry borne out of spite or entrenched grudges from years past. Rather, it is a desire to show up against your mates and prove yourself.

"I say the word fiery, it is not fiery. It is just good hard cricket, and you want to beat your mates more than anybody else I think," Sixers wicketkeeper Alyssa Healy said.

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"We spent all pre-season together and training alongside one another and then as soon as WBBL rolls around we're on separate sides. And I think you just want to get one up on your mates, one up on the young kids that are trying to take your spot in the Breakers' side."

Thunder young gun Phoebe Litchfield echoed Healy's sentiments. And even though the 18-year-old admires Healy, that admiration turns into competitiveness once she puts on a lime green shirt.

"I've grown up watching Midge play...It's been a pleasure to watch her through the years, and now playing against is a bit more nerve-racking," Litchfield said.

"It's the mates thing. We train together whenever we play inter-squad matches it's there. But once we are in different teams and different colours it brings out the competitiveness."

Both teams will be looking for a win on Saturday. The defending champions, the Thunder, had an underwhelming start to their title defence. Losing by 30 runs to the Adelaide Strikers.

A big turnaround with the bat is needed for the Thunder. Their star Indian recruit Smriti Mandhana only notched four runs in her WBBL debut and will want to have a better showing against her newly adopted cross-town rivals.

The Sixers will be looking to their explosive batting line-up to deliver.

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