Queensland Fire ended their 2012/13 Women's National Cricket League season with a six-wicket victory over Tasmania Roar in Hobart on Sunday.
With Blundstone Arena still surrounded by smoke from the Tasman Peninsular bushfires, the locals opted to bat first and compiled 189 thanks to contributions from Erin Burns (50), Corrine Hall (41), Anita Silva (30) and opener Emma Thompson (21).
But the Fire easily reeled in their target, finishing 4-190 with 12.3 overs to spare to end their inconsistent campaign on a high.
Openers Beth Mooney (58) and Melissa Bulow (45) ensured the run chase started strongly by sharing an 84-run union for the first wicket before Jodie Fields (26), Kirby Short (20 not out) and Dellisa Kimmince (20) iced the victory.
The Roar had the perfect chance to build a competitive score in ideal batting conditions during the morning session.
But Fire's in-form pacewoman Jude Coleman ensured their innings never gained momentum by capturing 4-25 from 8.2 overs including the important wickets of Hall and opener Emily Divin (three).
Kirsten Pike (2-31 from 10) and off spinner Jemma Barsby (2-30 from seven) were Queensland's other leading bowlers.
Tasmania's bowlers endured much less enjoyment, with Katelyn Fryett (1-30 from seven), Burns (1-36 from six) and Silva (1-16 from three) the only wicket-takers.
The highlight of the match was Pike's brilliant running catch to dismiss Tasmania's Belinda Page (two) after the No.3 batter skyed Coleman over deep extra cover in the eighth over of the day.
It was Queensland's fifth win of the season and meant they finished fifth on the WNCL table.
Tasmania finished the summer in sixth place with four wins and eight losses.
First Posted 06 January, 2013 5:29PM AEST
