Hinds bow out

Nicole Thessman struck 63 but State Central Hinds’ State League title defence ended with a four-wicket defeat to finalists State Wellington Blaze.

The Hinds fell four runs short at Upper Hutt’s Trentham Park, despite an eighth one-day 50 by their experienced Manawatu batsman.

Sian Ruck took three wickets and Lucy Doolan two as Wellington looked to limit the CD chase.

Thessman moved her side in view of victory, but had already missed the chance of a vital bonus points when she was the last wicket to fall, by run out, in the 42nd over.

The defeat left the Hinds in third place, five points adrift of Canterbury.