Bay of Plenty lost the Northern Districts Challenge trophy to Poverty Bay at the Bay Of Plenty Cricket Oval in a thrilling match that went down to the second to last ball.

The match, played in Mount Maunganui on Sunday, January 29 saw the Bay side take first use of the batting strip, but started in real trouble at four down for 59 runs.

However, a 92-run partnership between Emily Wilson (52) and Tia Robinson (23) put the Bay side back in the match.

A quick fire 21 not out from Piki Tai late in the Bay turn at bat, helped the home team get through to 197/9.

Led by Keri-Anne Tomlinson (48), who has played international cricket for Holland, and Mel Knight (54 not-out), the visitors snatched a dramatic second to last ball victory, for the loss of seven wickets.

The best of the Bay of Plenty bowlers, were Alana Lloyd and Anna Peterson who took two wickets apiece.

While there was disappointment in the Bay of Plenty camp with the narrow loss – there were a number of positive outcomes to emerge from the game.

The batting skills displayed by Tia Robinson and Piki Tai, who both still attend secondary school, were a real positive, with another youngster in Alana Lloyd showing outstanding promise with the ball.

ND Women's Result 29 January 2012

BOP 197/9 (Emily Wilson 52, Tia Robinson 23, Piki Tai 21no; Keri-Anne Tomlinson 2/35) lost to Poverty Bay 198/7 (Mel Knight 54no, K Tomlinson 48; Alana Lloyd 2/39, A Peterson 2/43)