The Wellington Blaze kept their undefeated record in the Action Cricket Cup this season, defending 171 against the Northern Spirit at Barton Oval, Upper Hutt.
The Blaze were put into bat by the Spirit and got off the perfect start thanks to openers Lucy Doolan and Sarah Taylor.
Doolan (42) and Taylor (34) put on 89 for the first wicket and set a great platform for Wellington to push on to a big score.
However in the space of two runs, both batsmen were dismissed and the Spirit had a chance to capitalise.
Four of the next five batsmen went out for scores of less three, but thankfully for Wellington Elizabeth Perry (23) and Andrea Stockwell (28) steadied the ship.
In the 49th over the Blaze were all out setting the Spirit 172 for victory.
The Northern’s bowlers were good in patches, but most consistent was Felicity Leydon-Davis who picked up four wickets for 26 runs in her ten overs.
In reply, opener Hannah Trollip batted well on her way to 33.
Sadly though Trollip struggled for assistance and watched three partners come and go before she herself was dismissed by Doolan.
Heidi Arndt (20) and Leydon-Davis (13) put on small bursts for Northern, but it was obvious early that the Blaze were in full control of the match.
In the 44th over Wellington finished off the Spirit on 123, 48 runs short of their target.
It was a disciplined performance with the ball from the Blaze, with Deanna Dougherty and Doolan picking up three wickets a piece.
Sian Ruck also bowled well, her ten overs going for just 22.
