The first game at the Bay of Plenty Oval this summer didn't provide good news for the home team with the Northern Spirit losing to the Central Hinds in a Twenty20 match.

Taking first use of the batting strip, the Northern Spirit never got going and was restricted to 89/9.

The home side was in desperate trouble at 39/5, however, a fight back from Felicity Leydon-Davis, who top scored with 22, steadied the ship.

She received support from Heidi Arnt (14) and Nicola Brown (11) as the Northern Districts team got through to 89/9.

After one of the CD openers was out cheaply, Sarah McGlashin (50) and Rachel Priest (27) took their side to a comfortable position.

However, two quick wickets had the Central Hinds battling for runs in the closing overs, with the seven-wicket victory coming with just four balls to spare.

Northern bowler Rhiana Vincent, who grabbed the wickets of McGlashan and Priest, finished with 2/11.

Action Cricket Twenty20 Result

Northern Spirit 89/9 (Felicity Leydon-Davis 22; Sandee Hui 3/19, Elmaar Richardson 3/21) lost to the Central Hinds 90/3 (Sarah McGlashan 50, Rachel Priest 27; Rhiana Vincent 2/11)