It all goes Wong for Blaze against Bears

ISSY STARS WITH BAT AND BALL IN BLAST ELIMINATOR

- ECB REPORTERS NETWORK SUPPORTED BY ROTHESAY

SKIPPER Kirstie Gordon believes The Blaze “panicked a bit” as they suffered a 20-run defeat against The Bears in the Vitality Blast Final’s Day Eliminator at the Kia Oval.

Issy Wong starred with bat and ball for the victors. She blasted 59 from 38 balls including two sixes, sharing a stand of 64 with Sterre Kallis 45 as The Bears piled up 163-8, Sarah Glenn returning 3-29.

Wong wasn’t done, ripping out Tammy Beaumont and Kathryn Bryce for ducks off successive balls on her way to 4-14. Millie Taylor backed her up with 3-20, becoming the competition's leading wicket taker in the process as The Blaze were bowled for 143, despite 53 from Georgia Elwiss.

“Credit to them, I thought Wongy batted really well and showed how good the pitch was with the shots she took,’ said Gordon.