Final Round
Otago Women U-21s 87/8 (A. Kerr 2/17, P. Williams 2/20) lost to Wellington Women U-21s 88/5 off 15.1 overs (E. Black 4/17)
The final round of the Women’s U-21 Tournament began with a clash between Otago and Wellington, and it was the team from the Capital that finished the tournament with a win. Otago batted first and set Wellington 87 from their twenty overs. All Wellington bowlers bowled economically, with no bowler going for more than five an over. WHITE FERN Amelia Kerr lead the attack with 2/17, but it was Amelia’s sister Jess that was the pick of the bowler with her four overs producing figures of 1/11. A six over fifty run opening stand between the Kerr sister, set Wellington’s chase up. Jess was the first wicket to fall, for 25, but three runs later both sisters were out, with Amelia being caught for 22. Four out of the five Wellington wickets were produced by Emma Black, who ended the innings with figures of 4/17. However, Wellington still got over the line, with the winnings runs being hit during the 16th over.
Central Women U-21 114/6 (H. Rowe 30) beat Canterbury Women U-21 97/8 (J. Watkin 2/17)
WHITE FERN Hannah Rowe top scored for Central during their first innings total of 114. Rowe hit a well-paced 30, before she was run out, which was one of three run outs during the innings. Canterbury used eight different bowlers during their innings, with Kristy Havill being the pick of them with figures of 1/16 from her four overs. In reply, Canterbury’s chase was dented through wickets consistently falling, with five Central bowlers taking at least one wicket. Jess Watkin finished her tournament on a high, with taking 2/17 from four overs, leading her team to a 17-run victory.
Northern Women U-21 146/2 (B. Halliday 67, O. Lobb 35) beat Auckland Women U-21 125/8 (S. Naidu 32, T. Saunders 2/15, N. Patel 2/20, T. Hollis 2/31)
Coming into the final round Auckland had already wrapped up the title but both them and Northern were looking to finish the tournament with a win. Northern batted first and set an imposing 146 from their twenty overs, with captain Brooke Halliday impressing again with 67*. Halliday used 48 balls during her innings which included five fours, and was well supported by opener Olivia Lobb, who hit 35. Auckland began their chase well, with all over the top four getting starts but only starts. Number three Shriya Naidu top scored with 32, while opener Saachi Shahri hit 25 which put meant she finished the tournaments fourth top run scorer. However, it was Northern’s bowlers who won the game for their team. Nensi Patel and Tayla Hollis opened the bowling with two wickets each, while Saunders pitched in with a couple of wickets helping Northern pick up a 21 run victory.
Round Six
Auckland Women U-21 145/5 (N. van Tilburg 73*, S. Shahri 40) beat Canterbury Women U-21 98 all out off 18.2 overs (K. Nation 33)
Auckland needed one victory to wrap up the U-21 National Tournament in Auckland, but Canterbury were going to do everything they could to stop the Aucklander’s from being crowned national champions. Auckland batted first and a 118-run opening stand put Auckland in the perfect position to set a big score. Saachi Shahri continued her great run with 40 from 45 balls, but it was captain Natasha van Tilburg that set up the Auckland innings. She hit eight fours during her 73 from 56 balls, ending the innings unbeaten. Jessica Simmons was the pick of the bowlers with figures of 2/22, but Auckland was still able to score 145 from their 20 overs.
Auckland continued their momentum with the bat during the second innings, bowling Canterbury out for 98. Kirsten Nation was the only positive for the Canterbury side, as she scored 33 from 35 balls, while six Auckland bowlers picked up wickets, with Skye Bowden taking 2/3 from her two overs. The 47-run victory meant Auckland were confirmed as the tournament victors.
Central Women U-21 181/4 (J. Watkin 77, M. Megaw 37) beat Wellington Women U-21 129/6 (J. Kerr 34)
Central won the toss and decided to bat first, and it turned out to be a good decision with captain Jess Watkin leading her side to a mammoth 181/4. Watkin and opener Mel McGaw combined for a 111-run opening stand, only being broken when McGaw was run out by WHITE FERN Amelia Kerr for 37. Watkin continued the momentum, hitting numerous boundaries before Kerr’s older sister Jess had her caught for 77 from just 49 balls. WHITE FERN Hannah Rowe and number six Rosemary Mair finished the innings off, helping their side reach 181.
It was the worst possible start to the chase for Wellington, with Amelia Kerr being caught off the first ball of the innings. Her sister Jess top scored with 34, but it wasn’t enough for Wellington to get close to Central’s total, ending their 20 overs 52 runs short.
Otago Women U-21 105/7 (E. Brown 33) lost by four wickets to Northern Women U-21 107/6 (B. Halliday 30)
In the last match of the sixth round of the National U-21 Tournament, Otago met Northern at Lloyd Elsmore Park in Auckland. Otago batted first and set Northern 105/7 from their 20 overs. The total was short of the par score, but Northern’s bowlers did well to restrict the Otago batsmen. Ella Brown top scored with 33, but it was the run rate that was the issue, with none of Otago’ batsmen scoring more than a run a ball. Brianna Perry and Kate Anderson stood out with the ball, as the pair picked up two wickets each, and both went for less than four runs an over.
Northern timed their chase perfectly, reaching the total with 12 balls to spare. The Northern win was set up by captain Brooke Halliday with a 30 from 24 balls. Northern lost their first three wickets to run outs, before Halliday came in and set up the victory. She was well supported by 14 year old Nensi Patel, who finished the innings not out on 16 from 16.
Round Five
Central Women U-21 150/6 (H. Rowe 32, M. Hansen 31, J. Watkin 30) beat Northern Women U-21 149/3 (B. Halliday 64, K. Anderson 60)
The Women’s Under 21 Tournament moved into its Twenty20 stage of the competition with Central playing Northern. Central batted first and set a good total of 150/6, with three batsmen scoring thirties. Melissa Hansen opened the innings and hit 31 from 23, while captain Jess Watkin added to her already impressive tournament total with a 30 from 19 balls, and WHITE FERN Hannah Rowe pitched in with 32 off 23. In reply, two crucial run outs would turn out turn out to be the different between the two sides. Kate Anderson and Brooke Halliday combined for a 111 run partnership before both batsmen were run out in the space of three balls, Halliday first for 64, and Anderson second for 60. This meant two knew batsmen had to face the final over, and ultimately meant Northern would fall one run short.
Otago Women U-21 126/9 (P. Inglis 51, B. Armstrong 5/13) lost by six wickets to Auckland Women U-21 127/4 off 19.1 overs (S. Shahri 77*)
Three strong individual performances were the story of the second match of the round, as Otago met Auckland. Otago batted first and wicket keeper/opener Polly Inglis anchored her team’s innings with a quick paced 51 but while Inglis held up one end, Auckland’s Bella Armstrong tore through her partners. During her four overs, she only conceded 13 runs and took five wickets, helping her side restrict Otago to 126/9. Not for the first time in the tournament, Saachi Shahri batted her side to victory. Shahri opened the innings, and remained unbeaten on 77 when her side passed Otago’s total in the final over.
Canterbury Women U-21 82 all out off 17.3 overs (A. Kerr 4/18, I. Ranaweera 3/6) lost by eight wickets to Wellington Women U-21 83/2 (A. Kerr 39*, M. Mason-Jones 30)
WHITE FERN Amelia Kerr continued her incredible form, leading her side to an eight-wicket victory. During the first innings, Kerr lead the bowling attack with figures of 4/18 to bowl Canterbury out for 82 in the 18th over. Umaya Ranaweera also bowled well, ending with figures of 3/6 off her 3.3 overs. In reply, Kerr opened the innings and ended the innings not out of 39, while Makaylah Mason-Jones hit a run a ball 30. Wellington finished the match with eight wickets in hand, getting over the line in the 16th over.
Round Four
*Rain delayed each match by varying lengths
Otago U-21 Women 202 all out off 48.4 overs (A. Cunningham 46, K. Heffernan 40, M. Hyde 4/30, K. Havill 3/24) beat Canterbury U-21 Women 127-9 off 26 overs (G. Sullivan 53, K. Heffernan 3/12, R. Johnston 3/28)
In the Southern rivalry between Otago and Canterbury, the team from the bottom of the South Island would be the victors. Otago batted first, ending their innings all out with 202 off 48.4 overs. Opener Amber Cunningham and number four Kate Heffernan set up the innings. Cunningham hit a patient 46 from 75 balls, while Heffernan pitched in with 40. Two bowlers stood out for Canterbury, with Kristy Havill producing good results from her seven overs, ending with figures of 3/24. Opening bowler Mereana Hyde picked up three crucial wickets, and also finished off the Otago batsmen through bowling the final batsmen, ending with figures of 4/30.
Rain meant the target was reduced to 166 from 31 overs, and Canterbury did not begin well, losing multiple early wickets. Sullivan did provide some relief, hitting a well paced 53, but she was only one of two batsmen to reach double figures. losing multiple early wickets. Sullivan did provide some relief, hitting a well paced 53, but she was only one of two batsmen to reach double figures. Three bowlers stood out, one of which was Emma Black as she picked up two wickets. Rose Johnston wrapped up the tail with three wickets, but it was Kate Heffernan that was the pick of the bowlers. She not only opened the bowling, but also picked up three wickets for 12 runs from her six overs, ultimately leading her side to a 38 run win.
Wellington U-21 Women 239/6 off 45 overs (M. Mason-Jones 94, A. Kerr 71, J. Kerr 31) beat Northern U-21 Women 109/7 off 21 overs (B. Molony 3/19)
After her incredible performance in the last round, WHITE FERN Amelia Kerr was looking to continue her form when Wellington met Northern. Kerr, Wellington’s captain, decided to bat first and she continued her good form, and she was looking good to make it three centuries in four games, until she was given out LBW off the bowling of Kate Anderson for 71. Wellington continued their momentum through Makaylah Mason-Jones who batted well for her 94. She hit seven boundaries during her 104 minute stay at the wicket, even more impressive when you consider the conditions she was battling in. Jess Kerr finished the innings with a run a ball 31, helping get her side reach 239 off the allotted 45 overs.
Rain meant that Northern’s target would be 155 off 21 overs, a tough ask for any team. Sadly for the North Island team, it wasn’t meant to be, with no one hitting a big score. Wellington’s bowling was economical which added more pressure do to the large total. Scoreboard pressure lead to a number of wickets, with Beth Melony taking advantage, taking 3/19 off her four overs. Northern eventually fell 45 runs short.
Central U-21 Women 145/9 off 34.2 overs (J. Watkin 40, S. Bowden 3/11) lost to Auckland U-21 Women 133/2 off 32.1 overs (S. Shahri 69*, N. van Tilburg 33)
After setting a mammoth total in their previous match, Central were looking to set Auckland an imposing total after being sent in. Other than Jess Waktin 27 ball 40, there wasn’t much to celebrate for the Central side, as they were bowled out for 145 off 34.2 overs. Auckland’s bowling have been one of the talking points of the tournament, consistently bowling sides out. The pick of the bowlers was Skye Bowden, ask she took 3/11 off six overs.
Rain meant that Auckland’s target would be 132 from 40 overs, and opener Saachi Shahri hit a match winning innings. Shahri has been one of the top run scorers during the tournament, and her 73* off 99 balls increased her impressive tournament statistics. Shahri was supported by captain Natasha van Tilburg, who hit 33 before WHITE FERN Hannah Rowe took her wicket, but the match was basically over by that point, and Auckland hit the winning runs three balls later.
Round Three
Auckland U-21 Women 175 all out off 44.5 (B. Armstrong 34, T. Lamb 33*, J. Prasad 32, T. Hollis 4/19, B. Perry 3/27) overs lost by four wickets to Northern U-21 Women 176/6 (B. Halliday 89*, S. Naidu 3/31)
The two tournament front-runners, Auckland and Northern met in a crucial clash at Lloyd Elsmore Park. Auckland decided to bat first, but it was Northern opening bowler, Tayla Hollis who got who impressed by picking up Auckland’s top three, which left Auckland under pressure at 3/29. Jesse Prasad and Bella Armstrong rebuilt the Auckland innings, combining for a 56 run partnership before Prasad was bowled. Small partnerships were created, but it Northern constantly managed to break them. Hollis picked up her fourth wicket, before Brianna Perry wrapped up the tail, taking the last three wickets. Brooke Halliday, who had already impressed in the first two rounds of the tournament, batted her side to victory. Halliday hit nine boundaries in her 89*, which was made a good rate, helping Northern to pass Auckland’s total in the 43rd over.
Central U-21 Women 302/3 (J. Watkin 127*, M. Hansen 95) beat Canterbury U-21 Women 294/8 (A. Mace-Cochrane 173*)
Central and Canterbury met in Auckland, and the match produced three of the tournaments top performances. Central batted first, and opener Melissa Hansen looked the part from the very start. Hansen formed a couple of decent partnerships, before captain Jess Watkin joined her at the wicket, where the pair put on 152 together. Hansen was denied her century, getting caught on 95, but Watkin was able to push on, ending the innings unbeaten on 127. Chasing 302, Canterbury needed someone to stand up and score the majority of the runs, and Alexandra Mace-Cochrane certainly did that. Mace-Cochrane came to the crease in the third over and didn’t leave it, finishing the innings unbeaten on an incredible 173* off 137 balls. She stayed at the wicket for over three hours, hitting 20 boundaries during her innings. Teams don’t often lose games when a play hitting 173*, but Canterbury fell eight runs short of Centrals 302.
Wellington U-21 Women 252/5 (A. Kerr 152*, G. Krebs 35) beat Otago U-21 Women 135 all out off 38.5 overs (A. Kerr 5/31, P. Williams 3/8)
When to huge centuries have already been hit at a tournament, you don’t expect someone to be able to top it during the final game of the round but WHITE FERN Amelia Kerr did just that. Kerr’s Wellington side batted first, where they set 252 off their 50 overs. Kerr faced the first ball of the innings, and was at the wicket during the final ball with the international ending the innings on 152*. Kerr hit 14 fours during her three hour stay at the crease. Normally for a player scoring 152* is enough, but Amelia Kerr is a special case. She earned figures of 5/31 off her 9.5 overs, helping Wellington bowl Otago out for 135. A truly phenomenal performance from young White Fern, Amelia Kerr.
Round Two
Wellington Women U-21 76 all out off 27.4 overs (J. Penfold 3/16) lost by eight wickets to Auckland Women U-21 77/2 off 18.4 overs (S. Shahri 32)
Auckland have backed up a big victory yesterday, with an almost identical performance. Wellington decided to bat first, and likely were regretting that decision after losing four early wickets. Jess Kerr was one of two batsman who reached double figures. Kerr reached 28 off just 22 balls before losing her wicket to Shriya Naidu, who alongside Jesse Prasad picked up two Wellington wickets. Josie Penfold was the star with the ball, grabbing three scalps for 16 off her six overs, helping Auckland dismiss Wellington for 76. Just as in round one, Auckland opener Saachi Shahri put her side in an almost unlosable possible with a well paced 32, before being removed by WHITE FERN Amelia Kerr. However, the damage was already done with Auckland passing Wellingtons score in the 19th over having eight wickets left in hand.
Otago Women U-21 193 all out off 46.1 overs (P. Inglis 77, J. Watkin 3/32) beat Central Women U-21s 141 all out off 40.1 overs (M. Megaw 39, M. Rees 30, G. Heffernan 3/28)
Central sent Otago in, and would have been pleased with their decision, picking up three early wickets. Inglis was the only major positive for the Otago batting innings, batted with full control to hit 77. WHITE FERN Hannah Rowe stood out with the ball, taking three wickets for 25, while Central bowler Watkin also impressed with three wickets. Central would have been confident going into their chase, but the seventh ball brought the first wicket. Twins, Kate and Georgia Heffernan are a pair to watch out for, impressing with a left/right arm opening bowling combination. Georgia was the standout bowler, taking 3/28. A couple of thirties was as good as it got for Central, who consistenly lost wickets throughout the chase. Brown and Emma Black took two wickets a piece as Central fell 52 runs short.
Canterbury Women U-21s 152 all out off 40.1 overs (E. Kench 42, S. Gray 38, K. Anderson 3/34) lost by six wickets to Northern Women U-21s 155/4 off 32.4 overs (K. Anderson 58)
Northern have made it two from two, following up round one’s dominant win over Otago with a straightforward victory of Canterbury. Canterbury decided to put runs on the board, but lost three early wickets due to some consist bowling from Northern. Opener Kench and wicket keeper Gray put on 62 for the fourth wicet before Anderson picked up both of their wickets. Anderson was the pick of the bowlers with figures of 3/34, being well supported by McHugh, Nensi Patel and Perry who picked up two wickets each, which helped bowl Canterbury out for 152. Anderson continued her form with the ball with a match winning 58, hitting eight four during her 70 ball stay. Perry and Robinson both helped get Canterbury over the line with six wickets in hand.
Round One
Canterbury Women U-21s 68 all out off 23.4 overs (K. Patel 5-12) lost by eight wickets to Auckland Women U-21s 71-2 off 14.1 overs (S. Shahri 31*)
The Women’s Under 21 tournament got off with a dramatic but brief match between Auckland and Christchurch. In total 37 overs were bowled, with Auckland taking all of Canterbury’s wickets for 68 runs. Only three players in the South Island team made double figures, with four getting out without troubling the scorers. The star of the innings was undoubtedly Khusboo Patel, after she picked up half of the wickets. After her five overs she had figures of 5-12, including three maidens, and the story didn’t get any better for Canterbury in the second innings, with Auckland reaching the total in the 15th over. Saachi Shanhri opened the innings and took Auckland to victory with an unbeaten 31.
Northern Women U-21s 290 all out off 46.5 overs (B. Halliday 103*, K. Anderson 30, E. Black 3-31, G. Heffernan 3-66) beat Otago Women’s U-21s by 112 runs 178 all out off 41.4 overs (E. Black 33*, P. Taylor 4-19)
It was north vs south with Northern coming up against Otago, and north definitely came out on top. Northern batted first and Brooke Halliday played brilliantly, ending the innings unbeaten on 103*. The opening partnership of 66 gave Northern a good platform before Halliday took over. Her century came off only 80 balls, hitting 11 fours and a six during her 137 minute stay at the crease. Halliday was let down by her lower order, after the final three batsmen fell for second ball ducks, but Northern still set Otago 291 runs to win. Emma Black and Georgia Heffernan impressed with the ball, both picking up three wickets each. In reply, Otago needed someone to get a big score, but they could only manage a couple of starts. Black backed up her performance in the first innings, with an innings high 33*. The Northern bowlers were all economic and Taylor benefitted from it, picking up four wickets for 19 off her four overs. Both Emma Parker and Nensi Patel picked up a brace of wickets each.
Wellington Women U-21s 269-4 (A. Kerr 119, G. Krebs 64) lost by five wickets to Central Women U-21s 270-5 (M. Hansen 83, J. Watkin 67, T. Brown 57)
A bunch of brilliant performances meant for an amazing finish to the match between Wellington and Central. Wellington were sent into bat and WHITE FERN Amelia Kerr batted amazingly, opening the innings and hitting 119. Kerr hit only 49 of her runs through boundaries, meaning she rotated the strike expertly. Gemma Krebs supported her captain well with 64, helping Wellington reach 269. The chase was set up between openers Melissa Hansen and Tayla Brown, putting on 143 before Brown was bowled for 57. Captain Jess Watkin and Hansen added 38 before Hansen was run out for 83. It could have gone downhill for Central, but Watkin led her team to victory with a 67 off 50 balls. They put themselves under pressure by leaving it to the second to last ball to hit the winning runs.
