The Blaze clinched their spot in the One-Day Cup semi-finals after a brutal win over Durham. Playing in front of their largest-ever home crowd at the Riverside Ground, Durham fought valiantly to post 252 runs. They accomplished this with the wickets of only nine men down in their full quota of 50 overs. The Blaze, though, proved too hot to handle, hunting down the total with 256 runs on six wickets in just 47.3 overs.
Mady Villiers was the star for Durham with the bat, her 79 off 88 balls a career best. Her innings featured some spectacular strokes, with twelve fours to her name as she repeatedly found the gaps in the field. Emily Windsor played an important hand, making a classy 54 to up the ante and make it a tough chase for The Blaze.
In defense, The Blaze stumbled out of the gate, then soon regained their confidence. Orla Prendergast and Kathryn Bryce developed a partnership of the highest caliber. They proceeded to put on 107 runs for the third wicket in a mere 109 balls! Prendergast led the way scoring 67 runs, and Bryce was right behind him with 66 runs. Their powerful outings set the tone for the club’s effective pursuit of victory.
Georgia Elwiss provided excellent support in the death overs of the innings. She made vital contributions down the order making an impressive unbeaten 46 off just 45 balls. At just 34 years old, she has made a huge impact in her first year with The Blaze. She’s now gone over 900 runs across all formats! Her experience became a tremendous asset as she led her team to an undefeated season and state championship.
Despite the loss, Durham’s efforts were commendable. Katherine Fraser then set the game alight, launching two back-to-back sixes off a slog sweep. In between all that, Phoebe Turner exhibited her power with a little pull shot that rocketed over the longer boundary for six. These efforts were insufficient to turn the tide as The Blaze kept their cool under pressure.
One of the obstacles Emma Marlow had to overcome was getting run out, which only made their chase all the more intense. Elwiss didn’t lose his head at the crease. His influence took The Blaze over the line with four wickets in hand.
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