Hobart import hopeful emphatic breakthrough victory can kickstart momentum into WBBL tournament

The manner in which Hobart confidently chased down a subpar total to register its first WBBL victory was equally as important as breaking through.

• Hurricanes import thankful for support
• Rain robs Hurricanes chance of breakthrough win

HURRICANES opener Rachel Priest is hopeful any batting demons have been banished after the side finally opened its WBBL account in emphatic fashion on Tuesday.

Hobart posted a comprehensive nine wicket victory against the Melbourne Renegades to get on the board after a pair of losses and two washouts in its first four matches.

And while relieving the pressure valve was one thing, the manner in which the Canes chased down an “awkward” 82-run target could be the momentum starter, according to Priest.

The former Kiwi international (34 from 33 balls) combined with impressive Naomi Stalenberg (35 not out) in a 56-run opening stand which set the platform.

Rachel Priest of the Hurricanes bats during the Women's Big Bash League WBBL match between the Hobart Hurricanes and the Melbourne Renegades at Blacktown International Sportspark, on November 03, 2020, in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)

It came after the side managed just 84 and 89 in its two completed contests.

“Obviously we haven’t had the start to the tournament we wanted but we just spoke about T20 cricket, anything can happen and as long as we stick to our plans and do our jobs we can get across the line,” Priest said.

“The 82 we needed yesterday, that’s kind of an awkward score, you don’t know how to approach that sort of run chase.

“We agreed to approach it as we normally would and play our shots in the first six and me and ‘Nomes’ [Stalenberg] came good and got a good powerplay with no wickets down, which was nice for once.

“We got across the line in the 12th over which was a pretty comprehensive victory, a nice positive way for the girls to get back on track.

“We spoke after the game that we really did win the game well, if you are scraping across the line some of those doubts can still be there.

“But we really won that game well and I’m hoping it gives the girls good confidence.”

While happy to have played her part with the bat, Priest was full of praise for the bowling effort in restricting the Renegades.

Australian all-rounder Nicola Carey earned player of the match honours for her effort of 3-14, Belinda Vakarewa (2-12) continued her knack of picking up early wickets while teenager spinner Amy Smith snared her first Big Bash scalp — South African star Lizelle Lee.

Amy Smith (left) of the Hurricanes celebrates with her team after taking the wicket of Lizelle Lee of the Renegades during the Women's Big Bash League WBBL match between the Hobart Hurricanes and the Melbourne Renegades at Blacktown International Sportspark, on November 03, 2020, in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)

“The batting innings was good but I think our bowlers absolutely set that game up. I don’t think I have seen this team, even from watching games when I haven’t been playing here, bowl that well,” Priest said.

“It gives us a lot of confidence going into the rest of the tournament.”

The Hurricanes are back in action Saturday afternoon against the star studded Sydney Sixers.

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