A magnificent unbeaten century to Alex Blackwell has helped the New South Wales Breakers to a 110-run semi-final victory over the Western Fury and a place in Sunday's final against the Queensland Fire.
After winning the toss and electing to bat, the Breakers amassed an imposing 5-331 thanks largely to Blackwell's incredible 135 not out.
In reply, the Fury never really stood a chance and despite Jenny Wallace's 96 they could only manage 8-221 from their 50 overs.
Leah Poulton (52) and Rachael Haynes (25) made a solid start to proceedings before the latter was clean bowled by Kate Burns (1-49) to leave the Breakers at 1-49.
Blackwell came to the crease and immediately took a fancy to the Fury bowlers.
She shared a 53-run partnership with Poulton before the opener was dismissed by Emma Biss (2-55).
But that did little to stop the scoring as Lisa Sthalekar came in and contributed a handy 38 off 42.
Alyssa Healy also added 51, but it was Blackwell who was the chief destroyer.
The Breakers captain smashed 13 boundaries and one six in her superb knock that came off just 110 balls.
The Fury run chase started disastrously with Nicole Bolton dismissed for a duck by Ellyse Perry (2-25) in the first over.
Wallace tried her best with a gallant effort that saw her just miss out on a century, but she lacked support with wickets falling at regular intervals.
Sarah Aley (2-38) and Angela Reakes (2-30) matched Perry's effort of taking two wickets, but the day belonged to Blackwell and her magnificent ton that set up the victory.
First Posted 11 January, 2013 5:59PM AEST
