South Australia’s hot start to the WNCL season has cooled off, being defeated by Tasmania at Karen Rolton Oval.
After a short rain delay, opener Emma de Broughe was out for a golden duck on the first ball of South Australia’s innings, quickly followed by opener Bridget Patterson.
Tasmania’s Nicola Carey proved too much for the in-form duo of Courtney Webb and Maddie Penna, carving through South Australia’s middle order on her way to 4/48 off 10 overs.
With SA languishing at 4/32, young gun Ellie Johnston (63) was able to salvage the side’s innings, combining with skipper Gemma Barsby (45).
The much-needed partnership (81 runs) helped drag South Australia back into the contest, posting a competitive score of 196 runs.
Tasmania was aggressive from the outset with the bat, with Lizelle Lee (60 off 42 balls) leading the charge.
Desperate for a breakthrough, Maddie Penna took an impressive catch in the deep off the bowling of leggie Amanda-Jade Wellington.
SA didn’t have to wait long for their next scalp, with Wellington taking the wicket of Nicola Carey just three balls later.
Despite the best efforts of SA’s spin twins of Wellington and Isabella Malgioglio, Tasmania were able to pass SA’s total in just the 35th over thanks to an instrumental knock by opener Rachel Trenaman (75 not out).