21 November, 2009
The VicSpirit continued its domination over the Queensland Fire with a bonus-point victory in the one-day Women's National Cricket League match at the Junction Oval on Saturday afternoon.
After a convincing win in the Women's Twenty20 match on Friday, a disciplined bowling performance from the Spirit restricted Queensland to 151 after Fire captain Jodie Fields won the toss and elected to bat in overcast conditions.
After losing two early wickets, Fields (39) and Lyndall Daley helped build the Fire's innings with a partnership of 64, before some clever bowling from Julie Hunter removed Daley for 32.
From there Queensland lost wickets at regular intervals, being dismissed in the 50th over for 151.
Hunter was the pick of the bowlers, finishing with 4-34. Sarah Elliott and Kath Hempenstall also captured a wicket each, while the Spirit's excellent work in the field was represented by four run outs.
In reply, Victoria started badly, losing the wickets of Elyse Villani and Elliott in the first over, before Jess Cameron (22) and Rachael Haynes (29) helped rescue the innings.
Still under pressure at 4-79, the unbeaten Kelly Applebee (49) stepped up for the Spirit with a controlled innings.
And, thanks to some quick runs from Renee Melton (23 off 27 balls), the home team was in a position to push for a bonus point, with Applebee scoring two off the last ball of the 40th over to pick it up on the last possible delivery.
"The main thing for us was building partnerships after losing some early wickets," Applebee said.
"They were bowling tight and anything on the stumps was difficult to play."
Applebee said the Spirit weren't at the top of their game, but responded in the crucial moments.
"It was a gutsy win, they challenged us and we were up for it," she said.
"But Queensland is a good side, they'll bounce back, so we need to continue what we're doing in the field and be really positive with our batting for the next game."