Elliott stars as Spirit keep home final in sight

Sat, 16 January 2010

DEC VicSpirit's quest for a home WNCL final is still alive after a thrilling one-wicket win over the ACT Meteors at the Junction Oval on Saturday. Needing to win both WNCL matches against the Meteors this weekend to host the final at the MCG on January 30, Sarah Elliott starred with the bat and ball to keep the Spirit's hopes alive. After taking 3/23 off her 10 overs as the Spirit restricted the Meteors to 177, Elliott batted at number three and made 53 not out off 82 balls, staying composed and keeping her wicket intact while the rest of the side collapsed around her. The Spirit got off to a strong start with captain Rachael Haynes (37) and Elyse Villani (22) sharing a 53-run opening partnership, but once that was broken wickets started to fall at a regular rate. Of the last eight batters, only wicketkeeper Emma Inglis (24 off 24) got into double-figures, with ACT captain Kris Britt doing the bulk of the damage with 4/27. The Spirit lost their ninth wicket needing four runs off 21 balls, with the number 11 batter Naomi Fullwood keeping a cool head under pressure and hitting the winning run. Laura Wright was the mainstay of the Meteors innings, making 63 off 94 balls, with Kate Owen (21) and Leonie Coleman (20) next best. For the Spirit, opening bowler Julie Hunter also captured three wickets, while Briana Binch, Haynes and Kristen Beams picked up one wicket each. The Spirit still control their own fate heading into Sunday's WNCL clash at the MCG, needing a win to host their first final since 2006-07, otherwise they'll be heading to Sydney to take on the NSW Breakers. Sunday's match starts at 10am. Scorecards available from http://www.cricket.com.au/