Northern Brave Women produced a composed, all-round performance to register a 24-run victory over Sparks in the 10th match of the Women’s Super Smash 2025/26 at Mount Maunganui, with Lucy Boucher emerging as the standout performer in a contest that swung through several momentum shifts.
The innings began with intent from Northern Brave, even though early wickets kept pegging them back. Skipper Jess Watkin set the early tempo with a brisk 17 off 11 balls, striking two fours and a six before being dismissed at 22 for 1 in the 2.5th over. Joanne Gardner then attempted to stabilise the innings, adding 19 off 20 balls, but the Sparks struck again at 44 for 2 (6.3 overs), ensuring the Brave could not build uninterrupted momentum during the powerplay.
The middle overs saw Caitlin Gurrey and Nensi Patel attempt to consolidate. Gurrey’s 10 off 16 ended at 64 for 3 (9.6 overs), but Patel held firm and became the spine of the innings. Batting with maturity, Patel compiled a valuable 36 off 31 balls, finding the fence four times. She stitched together a crucial partnership with Marina Lamplough, who counter-attacked effectively with 35 off just 23 balls, including six boundaries. Their stand pushed Northern Brave into a competitive position before Patel fell at 105 for 4 (15.1 overs).
The lower middle order continued to add vital runs. Lamplough’s dismissal at 135 for 6 (17.6 overs) triggered a mini-collapse, with wickets falling in quick succession — Eve Wolland (9), Carol Agafili (1), Holly Topp (0) and Lucy Boucher (1), all departing cheaply. Despite that late stumble, Northern Brave managed to bat deep, eventually being bowled out for 138 in 19.4 overs, with 8 extras contributing to the total.
Otago Sparks’ bowling effort, led by Poppy Jay Watkins (2/12), Louisa Kotkamp (2/28), and Chloe Deemess (2/16), was disciplined through phases, sharing wickets regularly. They ensured no batter fully ran away with the game, setting themselves a target of 139 that appeared achievable on a good Mount Maunganui surface.
In reply, Otago’s chase began poorly. Bella James fell early at 7 for 1 (1.3 overs), followed by Felicity Leydon-Davis (7) and Caitlin Blakely (16), leaving Otago reeling at 31 for 3 by the 5.4th over. The pressure intensified when skipper Polly Inglis was dismissed for a duck, reducing Otago Sparks to 31 for 4 and firmly swinging momentum towards Northern Brave.
A brief recovery came through Anna Browning (24 off 22) and Olivia Gain, who played the most fluent innings of the chase. Gain struck 36 off 25 balls, including five fours and a six, and the partnership briefly reignited Otago’s hopes, taking them to 87 for 6 (12.4 overs). However, timely breakthroughs once again halted the surge.
Northern Brave’ bowling attack was led superbly by Lucy Boucher, who delivered a match-winning spell of 4 for 16 in 4 overs, removing key batters and maintaining relentless pressure. Marama Downes chipped in with 1 for 16, while Jess Watkin (2 for 24) and Kayley Knight (1 for 23) provided crucial support through the middle overs. Nensi Patel also claimed a wicket despite conceding 29 runs.
Otago Sparks continued to lose wickets at regular intervals, Eva Gray (0), Emma Black (9) and Chloe Deerness (5) fell as the asking rate climbed beyond reach. Otago Sparks were eventually bowled out for 114 in 18.5 overs, falling short despite flashes of resistance.
With contributions across departments and a decisive bowling display, Northern Brave sealed a well-earned 24-run win, underlining their depth and adaptability. Lucy Boucher, named Player of the Match, epitomised the difference between the sides, turning the game decisively with the ball in a tightly contested Super Smash encounter.
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