It was a high scoring Twenty20 match at Bay Oval in Mt Manganui, but the Blaze held off the Northern Spirit to claim an entertaining 10 run victory.
The Blaze amassed a very respectable 144 for four in the first innings, behind an impressive all-round effort from the top order. The Spirit put up a valiant effort in the chase, but fell short at 134 for four.
Kerry-Anne Tomlinson led the pursuit with 44 from 40 balls having put on 45 for the opening wicket with Anna Peterson.
Naomi Stalenberg replaced Peterson and chimed in with 17 to give the Spirit a fighting chance at 87 for two after 13 overs.
Despite a late 33 from Nicola Browne, the home side were unable to keep up with the required run-rate and the Blaze began to close in on victory.
Deanna Doughty played a huge part with the ball, bowling four overs for just 13 runs and dismissing Stalenberg.
Earlier, the Blaze got off to a flying start and never looked back.
Asha Smith (42) and Lucy Doolan (22) got the ball rolling, before Doolan was caught in the eighth over. She was more than ably replaced by Sophie Devine though, who then whacked 35 off 25 balls.
Leigh Kasperek also contributed with 33 to really hurt the Spirit and set an extremely challenging total of 145.
No bowler was safe for the Spirit, but best of the bunch was Brooke Kirkbride who took two for 30.
The Spirit will have their chance at revenge tomorrow in the One Day competition.
