The Wellington Blaze have upset the Canterbury Magicians in the final of the Women’s Domestic Final, with captain Sophie Devine leading her side to a 38 run victory at MainPower Oval, Rangiora.
Coming back from injury, Devine was a huge influence as the Blaze posted 155 for two from their 20 overs. In reply, the Magicians scratched their way to 117 for nine, but never really threatened the total.
The top-order supplied some hope for the defending champions, with Frances Mackay and Hayley Jensen taking their side to 35 without loss.
The wicket of Mackay (14) in the sixth over was undoubtedly a huge loss for the Magicians, but the following dismissal of Amy Satterthwaite for four put the Blaze well on top.
Jensen continued to show resistance and found support in Erin Bermingham. Sadly though for the home side that was as good as it got, with both players eventually dismissed for 28 and the middle and lower-order failing to fire.
Janet Brehaut contributed a solid 17, but a devestating collapse ensued and the result soon became obvious.
In the end it became a hopeless case for Canterbury, who fell well short and will now have to focus on the One Day final tomorrow.
The wickets were shared amongst five of the six bowlers, but Lucy Doolan and Deanna Dougherty were the most influential with two wickets apiece.
Earlier, it had been the Sophie Devine show, despite the fact it was her first week back from injury.
Lucy Doolan and Renee Moffitt went out early to have the Blaze struggling at 12 for two, but the recovery was nothing short of amazing.
Sophie Devine and Australian import Lauren Ebsary were aggressive from the get go, with Devine in particular showing intent.
Both players claimed half centuries, with Ebsary hitting five fours in her 58 from 46 and Devine clubbing 83 from 54, including nine fours and a six.
Both players finished unbeaten and set an imposing total. White Ferns Coach Katrina Keenan would have been thrilled to see such fireworks from Devine, with the ICC Women’s World Cup beginning at the end of the month.
It was tough going with the ball for the Magicians, but Rachel Candy and Erin Bermingham were the only ones to grab a wicket.
The Blaze wil be thrilled with their trophy, having last been in a final in the 2010-11 season – where they lost to the Magicians.
It was a proud Sophie Devine who stood up to receive the trophy, but not
all is lost for the Magicians, who have another chance at silverware when they
face the Auckland Hearts in the One Day
final tomorrow.
