Northern Districts have finished off a brilliant Women’s U-21 tournament with a last ball win over Otago.
After being restricted to 119 for seven in their 20 overs Northern put in a tight bowling performance to edge out Otago by two runs.
Otago won the toss and chose to chase and bowled well as they collected regular wickets through-out the innings. Rhiana Vincent though and spoiled the party for the Southerners, making an all-important and unbeaten 57 from 57 deliveries.
Moana McLelland put on the finishing touches for Northern with 24 to help her team to 119 for seven.
It was a tight display from all of Otago’s bowlers but Kate Stiven was the pick of them with her four overs picking up two wickets for 20 runs.
Kylie Crowley and Caitlin Blakely got Otago off to the perfect start with 36 for the first wicket. Both were dismissed in quick succession and Millie Cowan once again found herself with a lot of work to do.
Thankfully for Otago she rose to the occasion and looked for all money like she was about to lead Otago to victory.
Unfortunately she was dismissed for 29 with victory in reach she was out for 29 and the next three batsmen were then run out to leave Otago battling.
They needed a four off the last ball to the tie the game up but in a valiant effort Rebecca Henderson only managed to run two.
It was a thrilling end to the match with Otago finishing on 117 for eight and Northern coming out victorious by two win.
Result: NORTHERN WOMEN U-21s won by 2 runs
Full scorecard: http://scoring.blackcaps.co.nz/livescoring/match1263/scorecard.aspx
