Magicians reclaim State League

State Canterbury Magicians reclaimed the State League title with an eight-wicket victory over State Wellington Blaze at the Basin Reserve.

Maria Fahey led a successful run chase with 57 as Canterbury hunted down the home team’s 121 in 39 overs, with only two wickets lost.

Wellington, who earned home advantage by topping the regular season table, won the toss and elected to bat first after weather delayed the star of play by an hour.

Their intentions of setting a competitive total were hindered by fine Canterbury bowling, with Amy Satterthwaite, Helen Watson and rookie Emma Campbell claiming three wickets.

A 53-run, sixth-wicket partnership between Liz Scurr (47) and Sarah Hill (32) provided calm between storms.

Having lost three wickets in quick succession before their leading met in the middle, their removal instigated a second collapse, losing their last five wickets for only six additional runs.

The Canterbury response suffered an early setback with the loss of Mandie Godliman for 10, but a 74-run partnership between Fahey and captain Haidee Tiffen (35 not out) restored momentum.

That left Tiffen and Rowan Milburn, unbeaten on 10, to lead Canterbury back to the national championship with 11 overs to spare.