Watkin ton sets up under-21s

A century from Jess Watkin guided the Central Districts under21 women’s team to their first win at the national championships in Auckland on Saturday.

Wanganui’s Watkin scored 127 not out from 100 balls, hitting 19 fours and a six, as CD beat Canterbury by eight runs.

Wairarapa’s Melissa Hansen came close to a hundred as well, scoring 95 at the top of the innings, and she put on a partnership of 152 with Watkin, as CD scored 302-3 batting first.

Manawatu’s Hanna Rowe was also on 25 not out at the end of the innings.

In reply, Canterbury got close, but could only must 294-8 from their 50 overs, even though Allie Mace-cochrane scored 173 not out.

Watkin picked up 2-62 for good measure with her off-spin and opening bowler Hansen also took 2-34.

Sunday was a rest day and CD play Auckland on Monday.

The CD under-19 boys team had their second win of the national tournament at Lincoln on Saturday when they beat Otago by one wicket.

Otago batted first and CD bowled them out for 184 in 46.1 overs, and Hawke’s Bay allrounder Christian Leopard was the star, taking 6-26.

Davis Mills from Taranaki grabbed 2-11.

CD then struggled along to reach 186-9 in 45.1 overs.

Manawatu’s Mason Hughes top scored with 42 No 3 and opener Bayley Wiggins from Hawke’s Bay scored 25.

Luke Dravitzki (Taranaki), Todd Watson (Hawke’s Bay) and Felix Murray (Nelson) all scored 22 each down the order.

The under-19s also play Auckland today.