Auckland and Northern Districts remained undefeated after round four of the Women’s National Under 21 tournament in Lincoln, recording convincing victories over Canterbury and Central Districts.
Wellington were the other victorious team from the round, claiming a massive 208 run win over Otago. The teams now play three rounds of Twenty20 before the champions are crowned.
Auckland v Canterbury
A rapid knock of 97 from White Fern Maddy Green was the catalyst behind Auckland’s first innings total of 237. The bowlers then did the rest, bowling out Canterbury for 133 to record a 102 run win.
Georgia Guy was one of three players to take three wickets , while also being incredibly economical with just 17 runs coming from her nine overs.
While fighting a losing battle, Hayley Jensen provided the most resistance for Canterbury with 40. It was in vain though, as her side were bowled out after 41 overs, giving Auckland the bonus point.
Earlier, Green had fallen an agonizing three runs short of her century, having crunched 11 fours and two sixes in a quick-fire 88 ball stand at the wicket.
She had plenty of assistance from the top order, but the tail failed to wag, meaning the 250 plus total Auckland had been in line for failed to materialise.
This was also due to a fine fielding display from the local side, who effected four run outs in the Auckland innings.
Northern Districts v Central Districts
Northern Districts once again put on a strong display in their fourth round match, dispatching rivals Central Districts by nine wickets.
Having been set 160 to win, Northern chased down the total after 43.4 overs, with Natalie Dodd continuing her prolific form with an unbeaten 92.
The White Ferns opener remained composed all the way to the final ball, before she and partner Brooke Halliday (42*) surpassed Central’s total to make it four wins on the trot.
They can thanks their bowlers for such a low target, having taken regular wickets to restrict them to 160 for nine.
Despite a spirited 50 from opener Melissa Hansen, Central’s batsmen were unable to withstand the pressure put on them by Northern’s bowling attack. Tia Robinson was the chief wicket taker, picking up figures of three for 23 from nine overs.
Northern head into the penultimate day two points adrift leaders Auckland, but will have the chance to make up that ground when they face them in a Twenty20 on Saturday morning.
Wellington v Otago
Wellington were at their destructive best against Otago, with a tremendous unbeaten knock of 158 from Suzie McDonald leading Wellington to the highest score of the tournament – 293.
In response Otago were bowled out for 85 after 31 overs, with Deanna Dougherty picking up a four wicket bag.
It was always going to be a big ask for the southerners to overcome such a huge total and the performance from the Wellington bowlers didn’t help their cause.
Opener Caitlin Blakely did her best making 23, but following her dismissal a collapse ensued and Otago would not recover.
Earlier, McDonald had stolen the show. Between her and opener Rebecca Burns, the pair put on 159 for the second wicket. Burns departed for 71, but McDonald continued her onslaught and brought up the first century of the tournament after 120 balls.
It led to a colossal total and subsequent bonus point win for the girls from the capital, who now go up to third in the points table.
Points table
Auckland20
Northern18
Wellington10
Central 5
Canterbury 4
Otago 0
