The opening match of the SA and ACT Meteors double header has been abandoned with no result, after persistent rain allowed for only 1.3 overs in the second innings.
Courtney Neale made an immediate impact on her return to the SA side, claiming the early wicket of Carly Leeson with just the fourth ball of the match.
SA then maintained the pressure on the home team, with Eleanor Larosa and Ella Wilson each contributing a wicket of their own.
Attention soon shifted to Amanda‑Jade Wellington, who entered the attack just one wicket shy of becoming the leading wicket‑taker in WNCL history. Despite the ACT batters’ efforts to survive her spell, a sharp catch from wicketkeeper Bridget Patterson secured wicket number 167 for Wellington, prompting celebrations as she claimed the historic milestone.
Tight fielding then helped remove the ACT’s two top‑scoring batsmen before Courtney Webb returned to the attack. Working in tandem with Maddy Penna from the opposite end, the pair collected two wickets each to close out the innings.
Neale finished as the pick of the bowlers, taking three wickets from her nine overs.
After the break, SA began their chase with urgency as rain loomed. Ellie Johnston raced to an unbeaten 18 from just nine deliveries before the weather forced both sides from the field.
With only 1.3 overs completed in the second innings and rain persisting into the late afternoon, the match was officially abandoned with no result.
The sides will meet again for the second match of the double header in just two days' time, on February 24.