The Canterbury Magicians have fought off a valiant effort from the Wellington Blaze to claim a crucial victory in the Action Cricket Cup.
Magicians’ Amy Satterthwaite played a sublime innings on her way to a staggering 124 not out. Elizabeth Perry was of a similar standard for the Blaze, but fell just short, needing four more runs to win.
Canterbury were put into bat and made a great start reaching 50 without loss. Frances Mackay was as solid as ever on her way to 30, but will be disappointed she didn’t hang around a little longer to be part of something special.
Satterthwaite was outstanding from her first ball to her last in a mature innings of 124. The display included 14 fours frustrated Blaze bowlers all innings long.
She was helped by strong performances from Janet Brehuat (33) and Meg Kendal (29) to put an imposing 290 on the board with four wickets in hand.
It was going to take a monumental effort from last year’s runners up, but it very nearly happened.
Lucy Doolan got the ball rolling with 25, before Megan Wakefield took over for the Blaze as she made a pivotal 59 for her side.
The real hero of the Blaze innings though was Perry. Perry crushed the Magician’s bowling attack around the ground on her way to the matches second ton. Her century came off just 105 balls.
Unfortunately for Perry she couldn’t get the job done, but once she was finally dismissed was replaced with handy contributions from Sian Ruck (22) and Mindy Hodgson (24).
Needing 11 runs to win from the final over, the Blaze were unable to finish off what would have been a truly astonishing run chase and fell four runs short of victory with just one wicket in hand.
It was a tough loss after the incredible work they put in, but Wellington would have seen enough to know that come finals time, they can beat this Canterbury side.
