Record knock from Kiwi international leads Hobart to back-to-back WBBL victories

A week after flopping in a run chase against the Sydney Thunder, the Hurricanes have responded against cross-town rivals Sydney Sixers thanks to a record-breaking partnership and the club’s highest individual score.

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A RECORD-breaking knock from Rachel Priest has lifted the Hurricanes to a memorable WBBL victory against bogey side Sydney Sixers.

Priest, who surpassed Heather Knight in posting the highest individual score by a Hobart player last weekend with her 83 not out in the heartbreaking loss against the Thunder, went even better against the Sixers in a nine-wicket victory at the Sydney Showground Stadium.

The former Kiwi international finished unbeaten on 92, cracking 15 boundaries and a six from just 63 balls as the Hurricanes successfully chased down their 140-run target.

Hurricanes' Rachel Priest smashes down the ground during the WBBL match between the Sydney Sixers and Hobart Hurricanes at the Sydney Showground. Picture: Phil Hillyard

Combining with West Indian Hayley Matthews (41 not out from 39 balls), the duo peeled off the last 56 runs in only 25 balls to romp to victory with 11 balls spare, a week after failing to overhaul the Thunder’s 129.

Their unbroken 127-run partnership was a Hurricanes record and the first beyond three figures.

Priest and Matthews joined forces in the third over following the early loss of Naomi Stalenberg, firstly rebuilding the chase before launching a late assault.

Hurricanes' Hayley Matthews and Rachel Priest celebrate victory during the WBBL match between the Sydney Sixers and Hobart Hurricanes at the Sydney Showground. Picture: Phil Hillyard

With the contest delicately poised after 14 overs and Hobart 1-87, Priest flicked the switch in hitting consecutive boundaries from Ashleigh Gardner, before sending a slog sweep over the deep mid-wicket fence.

Another pair of boundaries came in the 16th over before the Hobart duo went into overdrive against Marizanne Kapp.

Two short balls were cut behind point to the fence by Priest, before Matthews finished the over by pulling another short ball for six and clubbing the next delivery down the ground to the boundary.

Hurricanes' Hayley Matthews smashes down the ground during the WBBL match between the Sydney Sixers and Hobart Hurricanes at the Sydney Showground. Picture: Phil Hillyard

Priest finished the match in style, lofting Ellyse Perry to the leg side rope.

Perry had earlier been the mainstay of Sydney’s innings, compiling an unbeaten 72 from 68 balls in its 4-139.

Teenage spin sensation Amy Smith continues to impress with figures of 2-22, including the big scalp of Gardner for the second time in the tournament.

The result gives the Hurricanes back-to-back victories and lifts them above Adelaide into equal fifth spot with Brisbane, and just two points behind the Sixers and Perth, albeit with an inferior net run rate.

The side is back in action on Sunday against the Heat.

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