Fire Just Miss Out

The Queensland Fire have come up short in their second Women's National Cricket League match of the season, but not before a thrilling finish at Allan Border Field, backed by rising talent and a renewed never-say-die approach,

Chasing down Queensland's total of 216, a total that skipper Jess Jonassen felt was definitely below par, NSW were cruising to victory off the back of a stylish near century from Tahlia Wilson.

Wilson, who enjoyed a prolific stint with Australia 'A' against India the previous month, was in sight of her century with the Breakers when she was enticed to play a skied pull shot off left-arm quick Lucy Hamilton who bowled with excellent control and variety as Queensland made what seemed an easy chase suddenly look tricky.

With Wilson caught at midwicket for 97, NSW then wobbled and nearly fell as they lost 7-42, with rising leg-spinner Grace Parsons' skilful spell of 4-38 from 7.3 overs almost snatching the result.

Australia 'A' spinner Parsons was on a hat-trick as the Breakers lost 3-1 in the space of nine deliveries to give Queensland late hope of pinching victory.

But, having relied on a 90-run seventh-wicket partnership to get them over the line on Friday at the same venue, NSW again called their lower-order to clinch a nervy win.

Earlier, Jonassen again led from the front with the bat, proving the linchpin of the Fire innings as the Australian allrounder scored 89 from 83 balls.

Jonassen hit 10 fours and a six but was the penultimate Queensland wicket before they were bowled out with 21 balls left unfaced.

Jonassen (1-29 from 10) also proved difficult to get away with ball in hand, but Wilson shared in 85- and 89-run stands with opening partner Elsa Hunter (28 off 35) and first-drop Anika Learoyd (44 off 74) respectively to set up what had seemed set to be a comfortable result and their second win of the weekend.

Instead, her dismissal precipitated a Fire comeback that had seemed at long odds.

Speaking after the game, Jonassen said Queensland would look to build off the qualities shown in their fightback when it came to prepare for their next two games against Western Australia at Allan Border Field onm Thursday and Saturday.

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