IN blustery conditions that set the stage for an exciting clash, North continued their impressive form, claiming a third consecutive victory.
The match commenced with a toss that saw debutant Makenzie Victory leading the charge by winning the toss and opting to send the Bulldogs in to bat first.
Openers Steph Balman and Brooklyn Gibson wasted no time in making their mark, with Balman smashing the very first delivery to fine leg for four runs.
Gibson soon joined the party, and the pair’s aggressive batting saw North racing to 103 runs within the first 10 overs.
The duo combined for 12 boundaries and three sixes, with Balman showcasing her prowess with a stunning 54 off just 37 deliveries.
Her innings was a masterclass in dominance, securing the first 50 of the season before falling to a straight ball just before the drinks break.
After a solid start, North looked in control at the drinks interval. However, West were determined to mount a comeback, and Sarah Knott struck early after drinks, dismissing Gibson LBW for 31 runs off 28 balls.
The pressure mounted as Hannah Morris followed suit, departing for a golden duck, leaving North at 3/105.
Morgan Boylan attempted to inject some aggression into the innings but fell quickly, caught for just one run off two balls, as North found themselves struggling with four wickets down for just six runs since the break
In a bid to stabilise the innings, Cassie Robinson and Cassie McEvoy took to the crease, forming a formidable partnership that put North back on track.
The duo added a crucial 69 runs without losing their wicket, with Robinson finishing the innings not out on 39, including three fours and a six.
McEvoy contributed 13 runs from 21 balls, expertly rotating the strike and ensuring a solid finish to the innings.
North concluded their batting at a respectable 4/178.
As the wind picked up and the clouds began to clear, North’s bowlers stepped up to defend their target, albeit with a slightly modified attack due to some missing players.
Ellie Simmons and Hannah Morris opened, keeping things tight with just one run conceded in the first two overs, bolstered by a few extras.
Morgan Boylan made her mark as a bowler, delivering a maiden over to set the tone.
Mackenzie Victory shone in the field, making crucial stops at fine leg, while Hannah Morris struck first for North, Stevie Hack taking a spectacular catch off flying down leg side, an impressive effort.
West found themselves at 1/17 when Sophie Milne bowled a brilliant delivery, dismissing the next batsman and leaving West reeling at 2/22.
Despite the pressure, Paige Cuy and Kendra Bugmy, West’s top two batsmen, battled hard to maintain their team’s spirit.
They kept the scoreboard ticking, but a miscommunication led to Kendra’s run-out for 33 runs off 36 balls, with Morgan executing a sharp throw to break the stumps and leave West at 3/106.
Paige Cuy remained steadfast, finishing the innings not out on 35 runs from 51 balls, but West fell short of the target, ending their 20 overs at 3/111.
