Rookie Tahlia Wilson’s career-best knock steers Breakers to WNCL win against Scorpions

Scorpions opener Bridget Patterson’s cracking half century was upstaged by a matching winning knock from a New South Wales rookie in their season opener in Adelaide.

Scorpions opener Tahlia McGrath on the way to a half against New South Wales at Karen Rolton Oval in Adelaide. AAP Image/David Mariuz.

• No regrets for Oates

South Australian opener Bridget Patterson turned up the heat in wet conditions but counterpart Tahlia Wilson blazed New South Wales to a six-wicket, season-opening win in Adelaide.

In a contest reduced to 37 overs a side through rain, Wilson’s career-best, unbeaten 95 ensured the Breakers reeled in a 196 target with five balls to spare. Rene Farrell was unconquered on 6.

Patterson had run out Phoebe Litchfield (18) after a 39-run stand with opener Wilson leaving 12 required from 17 balls.

Scorpions debutant Stacie Oates (1/22) skittled opener Lisa Griffith (0) with her first ball but Wilson, who struck 11 boundaries, was impenetrable.

Australian under-19 star Wilson combined with Naomi Stalenberg (42) for an 86-run, second-wicket stand then 60 with Rachel Trenaman.

Unbeaten Patterson (78) notched two centuries last season and picked and up where she left off in a century stand (101) with opening partner Tahlia McGrath (59, 66 balls). Patterson struck six boundaries while a sweetly time blow over the long off rope was the highlight of the Kangaroo Island-born batter’s innings.

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Bridget Patterson of the Scorpions in the Women's National Cricket League one-day match against New South Wales at Karen Rolton Oval. Picture: AAP Image/David Mariuz

The Scorpions (8-195) failed to cash in on a splendid platform, losing 7-94 after skipper McGrath’s exit.

No. 3 Tegan McPharlin managed 18 but the host couldn’t string together partnerships to set a par 200 total.

“Really happy with the opening partnership,” said McGrath.

“Bridge batted amazingly with a really nice tempo, got us off to a really good platform. We probably lost a few too many wickets at the back end and 20 runs short.”

Oates’ wicket was the feel good factor entering Tuesday’s clash against the ACT at Karen Rolton Oval.

“You couldn’t have scripted it better, really excited for her,” said McGrath whose attack missed a resting Megan Schutt.

“That would have got out a few nerves straight away and I thought she bowled quite well up front.”