State Auckland Hearts batsman Katie Perkins has guided her team to a dramatic one wicket win in the State League match against the State Northern Spirit at Cobham Oval in Whangarei.
Perkins hit an unbeaten 53 off 81 as she nursed the Auckland tail through to victory in the final over.
Batting first, Northern posted only 143 with no batsman got on top of the bowlers.
Louise Milliken was the top scorer making 37, with all rounder Nicola Browne next best with 22.
All of the Auckland bowlers were miserly, with R Cox returning the best figures of four for 30. Prashilla Mistry took three for 38.
Northern made the perfect start in defence of their total by taking wickets in the first and second overs and at one point had Auckland nine for 87.
A 57 run partnership for the last wicket between Perkin and number 11 batsman Natalee Scripps led to the unlikely victory. Scripps was 23 not out.
The Spirit threw everything at their opposition with Kate Pulford leading with three for 21 off her ten. Nicola Browne and Natalie Edwards took two apiece.
The result allows Auckland to draw level on points with Northern as they occupy the bottom two spots on the table.
