Barriball stars for Northern Māori in a battle of fine margins vs Te Waipounamu

Sam Barriball led with an unbeaten 47, challenged by the fightback from Te Waipounamu’s Katriel Thomas (39) and Danielle Hemi (21).

Sam Barriball batting for Northern Māori vs Te Waipounamu. Photo credit: @CapturedBy_Charlie / Charlie Pawson.

Zamera Ikuia and Sam Barriball started the innings for Northern Māori, a partnership that created 29 runs in the powerplay.

Te Waipounamu were unable to pick up the goods, until right-arm quick Emily Evans struck twice in the 9th to remove Ikuia (18 off 31) and new batter Ella Farrell - both bowled.

The bowlers built on the momentum. Tanya Morrison was sent in, wreaking havoc on the ND innings. She claimed a Holly Topp, with Kiri Anderson falling in the same breath for 1 run each.

Proceedings looked to be going Te Waipounamu’s direction, restricting ND to 47-4 at the halfway mark.

Jessica Benge joined Barriball in a mission to redeem the team score, which the pair did successfully.

Benge fell in the 19th after a well played 17 (22), with Barriball seeing the innings out with an unbeaten 47 off 22. ND put up a competitive 122 total for the South Islanders to chase.

It was a tricky start for Te Waipounamu with early wickets falling. Evans was trapped LBW by Elle Archer in the 4th. Charlotte Morris was ran out for 7 with Ana Kendrick caught behind off Sadie Stewart.

The comeback was assembled, Katriel Thomas and Harriett Cuttance powered through the middle overs adding 36 to the score. Cuttance had to depart with Benge bowling her for a well made 17 off 21.

They still looked far off the target, at 66-5 after 15 needing 57 more in what was an almost impossible equation.

Thomas capitalised on an extras laden, 18-run over from Elizabeth-Rose Woodhead, changing the trajectory of the game.

Danielle Hemi was quick to respond to the fall of Thomas, scoring 21 off 11. She was run out 3 deliveries before the end; Te Waipounamu needed 10, but the South Islanders couldn't find the gaps in field to take the win.

Northern Māori did well to recover from their loss against CD Māori earlier in the day, with this result giving ND their second win of the tournament.

TEAMS:

Northern Māori: Holly Topp (C, WK), Dayle Anderson, Kiri Anderson, Elle Archer, Sam Barriball, Jessica Benge, Mia Chatterton, Ella Farrell, Meddy Hyde, Zamera Ikiua, Sadie Stewart, Olivia Tremain, Elizabeth-Rose Pengelly Woodhead.

Te Waipounamu: Libby Burne, Harriett Cuttance, Emily Evans, Danielle Hemi, Brooke Huddleston, Ana Kendrick, Grace Kitchen, Zarah Moana, Charlotte Morris, Tanya Morrison, Addison Stackhouse, Katriel Thomas.