TIGERS HAVE TOO MUCH STING FOR SCORPIONS

TASMANIA has made it two wins from as many starts to open its WNCL campaign, after blunting the sting of the South Australia Scorpions.

Backing up from their tournament-opening victory against the ACT on Wednesday, the Tigers produced all-round team display in beating the Scorpions by four wickets to ensure they return home with a perfect record.

Playing their first match in more than a year, the hosts were restricted 174 after winning the toss and batting.

Seven of the 11 batters reached double figures, but

Bridget Patterson’s top score of 34 highlighted an inability to kick on.

Sasha Moloney did a bulk of the damage with the ball, running through the middle-order to finish with 3-23, including the scalp of ex-Tigers teammate Courtney Webb (20), who defected to SA from her home state in the off-season.

Nicola Carey — who scored a maiden WNCL century on Wednesday — showcased her all-round talents to pick up 3-26, while Heather Graham pitched in with 2-30.

The run-chase started shakily for the visitors, with Rachel Priest and Moloney departing early, before Carey (20) and Graham (31) rebuilt.

Much like the Scorpions, the Tigers didn’t have a batter kick on to post a big individual total, but the efforts of Naomi Stalenberg (47) and Corinne Hall (31 not out) were enough to keep the scoreboard ticking over and overhaul the target with 25 balls spare.

The Tigers will return to Hobart to prepare for a pair of clashes with last year’s champions Western Australia (February 19) and beaten finalists and competition powerhouse NSW (February 23) at Blundstone Arena.