Canty account for CD women again

Canterbury made it back-to-back wins over Central Districts thanks to an impressive batting display by Kate Ebrahim and Erin Bermingham in the national women’s 50-over league at Lincoln Green.

A day after sneaking past lastplaced CD with three balls to spare, Canterbury cruised home by 64 runs after Ebrahim (83) and Bermingham (78) put on 148 for the third wicket as the Magicians posted 260-4.

Rebecca Burns (48) and Emily Cunningham (21) got CD’s chase off to a strong start with an opening stand of 96. But they lost their next seven wickets for just 32 runs.

Slow bowler Bermingham also claimed 3-16 to cap a strong allround display, but Frances Mackay led the way with the ball. The spinner took 4-22 off nine overs as CD were dismissed for 196, with Melissa Hansen left stranded on 43 not out.

Meanwhile Wellington handed Auckland their first defeat of the Hallyburton Johnstone Shield after surviving a tense run chase.

Set 213 to win by the Hearts, Wellington snuck home with just two balls and four wickets to spare to cut Auckland’s lead to six points.

Having been on the receiving end of a 70-run defeat the day before as Auckland recorded their fifth consecutive win, the Wellington batters clearly learned their lesson. There were contributions right throughout the order with five players scoring 20 or more, led by openers Amelia Kerr (56) and Lucy Doolan (38).

Kerr was also the pick of the Blaze bowling attack, with her three wickets coming for 29 runs off nine overs.

The match was in balance throughout the final 10 overs with Wellington needing 20 runs off the last 15 balls. But skipper Liz Perry kept her cool to lead the team home, scoring an unbeaten 32 off 29 deliveries.

Meanwhile, a captain’s knock from Katey Martin (102) propelled Otago to a six wicket victory over Northern Districts to stay in touch with third-placed Canterbury.