The Otago Sparks have a lot of work to do before the season gets under way judging by their results in back-to-back twenty20 matches against Canterbury.
The team met Canterbury at Aorangi Oval in two twenty20 games yesterday and suffered heavy defeats.
The Sparks batted first in the opening game and were restricted to 77 for eight.
Canterbury used nine bowlers so the wickets were shared around.
Caitlin Blakely top-scored for the Sparks with just 15 in a dismal scorecard.
Canterbury was always in control of the chase, with Kate Ebrahim top scoring with 28.
The Sparks can take heart from the fact they took Canterbury’s innings into the 17th over but it was a comprehensive eight-wicket win all the same.
Canterbury batted first in the second match. Amy Satterthwaite got going. She smashed 74 before retiring to allow others some time in the middle.
Her innings helped Canterbury post a formidable 169 for two.
Otago batted much better second time around. Suzie Bates cracked 48 and Leigh Kasperek made 24.
But it was restricted to 130 for five. The 39-run win to Canterbury was a reminder of how much work the Sparks have got ahead before the season opener against Auckland in Lincoln next week.
Otago coach Nathan King said while it was disappointing his side was well beaten, it was the first opportunity for a lot of his players to have a bowl and bat on grass.
"The bowling was pretty good considering," he said.
"But both sides would openly admit the fielding wasn’t great but it was a good opportunity to have a hit out on grass."
