A comprehensive win by Auckland over Central Districts and Canterbury’s narrow loss to Otago has tightened things up after three 50-over rounds of the National Women’s Development Tournament. Both Auckland and Canterbury top the table with 10 point while Northern Districts and Otago share second spot with eight each. Central District’s one win from three matches sees them on four with Wellington, who are yet to win, prop up the table.
Auckland v Central Districts
Full scorecard - http://scoring.blackcaps.co.nz/livescoring/match951/scorecard.aspx
Auckland put in a good all round performance, restricting Central Districts to 195 from their 50 overs and then surpassing the target in 36.3 overs to hand them a five wicket win – their second from three matches. Tight bowling from Auckland made it tough for Central after they were put into bat. Central opener Michelle Frey hit 43 off 75 balls to give them a solid start and Thompson top scored with 58 off 84 in the middle order but the overall run-rate was too slow to put a competitive total on the board. The Central effort was hampered by three run-outs while Auckland bowler Regina Lili’i was accurate and economical, returning figures of three for 37.
The Auckland run chase was comfortable with Maddie Green’s unbeaten 62 of 64 anchoring the innings. Lauren Down made a useful 35 while Lili’I competed a good all round performance with 33 not out to guide the team to victory. Maneka Singh did her best for Central with four for 42 but is was in vain as their second straight match.
Otago v Canterbury
Full scorecard - http://scoring.blackcaps.co.nz/livescoring/match953/scorecard.aspx
A solid batting performance in hot conditions set up a 23 run win for Otago over Canterbury who crumbled to 195 all out in pursuit of Otago’s 218 for five. A rock solid 66 from Lisa Grant was the backbone of the Otago innings after they were put into bat. A run-a-ball 45 from Kylie Crowley gave them some late impetus as did a useful 14 off 15 from Victoria Abbott.
In reply, Canterbury got off to a horror start with the openers out for one and two before Jess Hastings hit 37 to consolidate the innings. A solid middle order knock of 64 from Gina Hart helped but she struggled to find a willing partner and was eventually out in the 42nd over scoreboard reading 192 for nine. Otago bowler Bridget Thayer was the pick of the attack taking three for 43 while all-rounder Abbott snared two for 45.
Northern Districts v Wellington
Full scorecard - http://scoring.blackcaps.co.nz/livescoring/match952/scorecard.aspx#current
Northern Districts, who won the toss and elected to bat, defended their total of 199 for seven in a tight content against Wellington who could only manage 182 for eight. Northern’s inning didn’t contain any massive scores but Katie Johnson (23), Felicity Leydon-Davis (24), Rhiana Vincent (31) and Jordy Hardarce (32) chipped in to give them a defendable total. They were helped by a staggering 37 wide deliveries and overall total of 47 extras conceded by Wellington.
The Wellington run chase was tracking nicely at 101 for 4 after opening batter Renne Moffitt made 28 but the loss of wickets at crucial times hurt. A late 44 not out from Allex Evans gave them some hope but two late run outs, including the vital wicket of Frances Kean who made 21 off 21, stymied their effort. Northern Districts Sarah Steensen was a star with the ball taking three for 29 while Emily Baily took two for 33.
Points:
1 Canterbury - 10
2 Auckland - 10
3 Otago - 8
4 Northern - 8
5 Central - 4
6 Wellington - 0
