Cricket: Wellington coach praises 'sensational' Lewis

Coach Robbie Kerr sang the praises of his captain, Maia Lewis, after Wellington beat Northern Districts in two women's one-day matches in Wellington at the weekend.

They won by seven wickets on Saturday and by 108 runs yesterday to accumulate 16 points and move to second on the State League standings.

Wellington need to beat Otago in both games in Dunedin this weekend, and win at least one of their matches against leaders Central Districts in Napier on January 24 and 25, to have a good chance of being in the final on January 31.

Wellington and Central Districts, who have 21 points, have played six games but Canterbury, on 13 points, who have beaten Wellington twice, and champions Auckland, on 11, have had just four matches.

Central Districts, who had a win over Canterbury last week, have two other crucial games against Auckland in Napier on January 17 and 18.

Lewis, also the New Zealand captain, followed up her 35 and 100 not out in a tie and a win against Auckland with an unbeaten 51 from 39 balls, and 63 from 57 balls against Northern Districts.

Kerr described Lewis' form as "sensational", saying her decisive footwork and the late playing of her shots meant she was a daunting figure for opposition bowlers.

She was involved in an unbroken fourth-wicket stand of 92 yesterday with Megan Wakefield, who made 38 from 53 balls, which secured victory.

Margaret Presland's figures of three for 30 from 10 overs and two for 17 from four made her Wellington's most successful bowler over the two matches.

- NZPA