Cricket: Ignorance of score bliss for Martin

Otago Sparks wicketkeeper-batsman Katey Martin trains in the nets at the Edgar Centre yesterday....
Otago Sparks wicketkeeper-batsman Katey Martin trains in the nets at the Edgar Centre yesterday. Photo by Gerard O'Brien.
Perhaps it is just as well Katey Martin was unaware exactly how close she was to posting her maiden hundred during a one-day game last week.

The 28-year-old Otago Sparks wicketkeeper-batsman had twice previously made it into the 90s only to fall short of the milestone.

But she was not to be denied third time around. Martin scored an undefeated 113 to help guide the Sparks to a comprehensive 98-run win against Central Districts on Friday.

She did not have to deal with the nerves of being in the 90s because the scoreboard at Molyneux Park was not in operation.

She knew she was getting close, but that was about all. Her clapping team-mates were the first clue she had finally achieved the milestone.

''It was a pretty special feeling,'' Martin said.

''I was really excited and there was a lot of relief. It has been a goal of mine for a few seasons now and for it to finally happen was definitely a relief. And it was pleasing to contribute to the team and to a good win.''

The win helped confirmed the Sparks as genuine title contenders this season. They have now won five of their six matches and are two, or possibly just one, win away from booking a spot in the final.

Getting a win or two will not be easy, Martin said. The Sparks, who are at the top of the competition table on 24 points with four round-robin matches remaining, have to play Canterbury twice and then travel to Auckland for back-to-back one-dayers.

Canterbury beat Auckland by one wicket in the final last season, so there is no doubt the Sparks have a big challenge ahead.

That challenge starts today when Otago hosts Canterbury at Brooklands Park.

''Beating the Cantabs is a really big thing for us. They have not been going as well as they'd like this season, but they've got a lot of international players in their team and it is going to be tough. But we've taken a lot of confidence from of our performances so far.''

While the Sparks have played some of the weaker sides, they have picked up four bonus points which amounts to an extra win. They also shared the honours with the highly-rated Wellington Blaze, winning a game each.

''To pick up that win against Wellington has given the team plenty of belief.

''The girls have so much confidence in their ability that we are not as fearful of those top sides as we perhaps have been in the past.''

Martin has actually lived in Christchurch for 10 years but has remained loyal to Otago when it would have been much easier to join the Canterbury squad.

''I'm not a Cantab yet.

''I'm a pretty loyal person and I really enjoy playing for the Sparks. The environment in our team is really good.

''It is lot more relaxed and I'm able to give back to the team, which is a big thing when you're a senior player. I'll definitely be playing for Otago until I retire.''

Sparks and White Ferns captain Suzie Bates has had another strong season.

She is the leading scorer with 322 runs and Leigh Kasperek and Emma Campbell are joint-leading wicket takers with two others, with nine wickets apiece.

The team has lifted its fielding and coach Warren Lees has also played an important part in motivating the team.

''He is really good at sensing the feeling in the team and knows what needs to be said to get the girls up.

''He has so much experience and knowledge as an international coach, and his enthusiasm and motivation is really helping the team. The girls are all relaxed and clear in their role and can go out and perform that role with belief.''

 

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