Starring all-round effort from Hayley Matthews not enough to lift Hurricanes over the line

Hobart has been unable to keep its momentum rolling from its first WBBL victory, falling short in a run chase against the unbeaten ladder leaders.

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A STARRING all-round performance from Hayley Matthews and another impressive outing from Amy Smith was not enough to stop the Hurricanes from falling to Sydney Sixers in their WBBL clash.

Coming off its first win of the tournament on Tuesday, Hobart was unable to keep the momentum rolling in a tight 10-run defeat to the unbeaten ladder leaders.

Alyssa Healy of the Sixers celebrates the run-out of Hobart’s Corinne Hall during the WBBL match at North Sydney Oval. Picture: MARK METCALFE/GETTY IMAGES

Matthews (3-15) and 15-year-old Smith (2-10) shone with the ball as the Hurricanes pegged back the hosts to restrict them to 6-149 following a fast start.

A powerpacked top order containing Alyssa Healy (21 from 18 balls), Ellyse Perry (35 off 31) and Ashleigh Gardner (53 from 35) had Sydney on track for a much bigger total.

However some crafty spin bowling dragged the run rate back, with teenager Smith bowling both Gardner and Erin Burns to continue her coming of age.

Ashleigh Gardner is bowled by Hobart’s Amy Smith. Picture: MARK METCALFE/GETTY IMAGES

Hobart lost Rachel Priest and Naomi Stalenberg (22) inside the powerplay, but Matthews (29) and Nicola Carey (38) had things on track until Matthews was caught at deep long off to suck the momentum out of the chase.

Having already cleared the rope on three occasions, the West Indian narrowly failed to hit her fourth six when she drilled a drive straight to Gardner.

Chloe Tryon (10) was unable to get out of first gear and when she was bowled in the 16th over the asking rate was approaching 10 runs an over.

Hayley Matthews. Picture: MARK METCALFE/GETTY IMAGES

It still appeared achievable with Carey at the crease, but her departure courtesy of a great catch in the deep by Marizanne Kapp left too much on the lower order with all the big hitting back in the sheds.

The Hurricanes are back in action on Sunday morning against the Sydney Thunder in what will be the side’s first encounter against England captain Heather Knight, who was overlooked for a contract for WBBL|06.

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