The State Wellington Blaze have beaten the State Canterbury Magicians by three wickets in the State Sheild match at Trentham Memorial Park in Upper Hutt.
Canterbury were rolled for 184 in the 46th over after winning the toss and decided to bat.
Frankie Mackay was solid at the top of the inning for Canterbury making 41 and putting on 62 for the second wicket with Amy Satterthwaite.
Satterthwaite went on to top score with 52 off 57, including eight boundaries.
Anna Dodd was on target for Wellington taking three for 35 off only 4.4 with Lucy Doolan taking three for 36 off her full compliment of 10.
The chase wasn’t without its hiccups and it was a measured 49 not out from Elizabeth Scurr batting at seven and 19 not out from E Perry batting a nine that saw Wellington home.
Lucy Doolan backed up her fine bowling with 37 at the top of the innings for the Blaze.
Beth McNeill bowled valiantly taking three of 27 and the team effected two run outs. It wasn’t enough to stop the competition leaders from notching up their eighth win from nine matches.
The result gives the State Wellington Blaze an unassailable lead at the top of the table and means that Canterbury are in a must win situation for tomorrow rematch. The Magicians will also need the State Central Hinds to falter against Otago if they are to make the final on 24 January.
