Sisters Melie and Jess Kerr have dominated the Wellington Blaze's performances this Super Smash season, ahead of finals weekend at the Basin Reserve.
The pair joined Adam Cooper to preview Saturday's elimination final against Northern Brave.
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
In a few hours time. The Wellington Blaze will continue
their bid for a record extending ninth Super Smash Domestic
twenty twenty title. The Wellington Blaze finishing seconds in the
competition this year, which means today they gather at the
Basin Reserve at twelve forty for the elimination final up
against Northern Brave after a hotly contested round robin. The
(00:22):
winner of this match will go on to meet Otago
in the final, also at the Basin tomorrow afternoon. One
of the highlights for the Blaze season has been the
all round form of white Fern Jess Kerr thirteen wickets
a best bowling performance of four wickets for eighteen runs
in the season so far, but with abat two hundred
(00:43):
and ninety nine runs scored across the Blaze ten matches
by Jess Kerr and an average of forty two point
seven to one for the season. So great to see
Jess finding some amazing form through the Super Smash campaign
and obviously helping the Blaze to get to their top
three position as they have done here into finals weekend.
We're chatting out to Jess Kerr now and Jess obviously
(01:04):
I just wanted to find out firstly how things sit
for you and the team heading into this weekend given
you didn't play on Thursday. Well, yeah you got to
bat but didn't get a final result against Northern in
the final round. So yeah, what sort of the gauge
of where things sit heading into finals weekends?
Speaker 2 (01:19):
Oh?
Speaker 3 (01:19):
Look, you always want to want to play a full
game of cricket and it would have been nice to
go out there and have a bowl and try and
try and to send that total. But it was almost
a little dress rehearsal really with the game and you
think things to work on and you know, when we're
playing the exact same team again is quite nice in
a way.
Speaker 1 (01:38):
Yeah, so yeah Northern again And I guess you know,
missing out on the chance to bid for that top
qualifying spot to get into the Sunday final part of
the weekend. Is that a benefit or a setback or
does it not make much difference having to play this
extra game on the road to to hopefully another title,
And look, I think.
Speaker 3 (01:56):
You can look at it either way. Obviously, it would
have been great to qualify top and have that sort
of security with a bit of bad weather floating around.
But on the flip side. You you win that eliminator
and you're on a bit of a role and you
know a Targo haven't have had a quiet sort of
end to their campaign, so there's also coming off not
much cricket. So yeah, you can look at it either way.
(02:18):
That you could say they're well rested and good to go,
and you could say where we could be good to
go because we've played a lot of cricket of laden
and on a roll. So yeah, however, what team you support,
you might take it either way exactly.
Speaker 1 (02:32):
You did have a chance to bat, though you and
the team, did you get much of an indication from
then where the forms out? I guess maybe a slightly
lower score than the normal or was sort of that
just just part of everything going on in the gloomy
conditions that Wellington had on Thursday.
Speaker 3 (02:46):
Yeah, it was a slightly older wacket and I think
probably myself and a few others didn't quite adapt. But
I thought, you still, you know, still still some promising signs.
I thought beck started also merely incored the innings like
she always does, and also great that a lot of
our girls did get a chance to bet, especially the
last last couple of games going into finals, having had
(03:08):
time in the middle was as valuable. And yeah, I
guess taking those learnings for the top order betters to
what we can do on a new wicket and against
the same team. What are the best options to hopefully
score a bigger total than one nineteen or one twenty.
Speaker 1 (03:25):
What sort of as the momentum level like with the
team at the moment, they've been a couple couple of
losses but also some really strong moments right through the season.
Where exactly do you think you're at heading into the weekend?
Speaker 3 (03:35):
Yeah, look, I think we've We've shown a lot of
resilience with people coming in and out and having internationals
as well. You know, we're quite an experience side with
some new members and so yeah, I think I think
we're in a really good place and the teams, the
team's been awesome. So we've played finals cricket before, we know,
(03:56):
we know what's to come, and yeah T twenty cricket
is fickle, but we're prepared for what's to come and
we've shown we can win games of cricket from from
any situation.
Speaker 1 (04:08):
Any talk of players coming in and out, you had
at least Perry at the start of the season Maitland
Brown with the team. Now, what kind of impact do
they add to an environment like yours?
Speaker 3 (04:18):
Oh yeah, they've all been fantastic. You know. Pears was
amazing the first first two games. They had a lot
of fun with her around. And I think what's impressed
me the most with all three of them is their professionalism,
but also the fun they have as well. And yeah,
a lot of our girls can can learn a lot
of that, and they just all elements of their game
(04:41):
they're they're awesome with They've shown, you know the importance
of fielding and even just the S and C side
of things too. You know, it's it's their full time jobs,
all of them, which which isn't quite there yet for
some of the days girls and probably a lot of
them are striving for it to be like that. So
to be around professional cre it is, it's just going
to make them better and they can learn off them,
(05:04):
which is really exciting.
Speaker 1 (05:06):
It was a relatively last minute coaching change to the
Blaze before the Super Smash season started. How hard was
that adjusting or has it been quite a smooth transition
with the new sort of two coaches coming on board
just before Supersmash began.
Speaker 3 (05:20):
Yeah, I think credit to Johnny and Joe with how
how well they've they've handled it. They've brought a really
positive attitude and just really really to be around the group.
And you know, I can only really speak for myself
that they've made really me feel really confident with my
game and I certainly feel valued in all aspects of
(05:43):
the game, which is awesome, and I'm sure the others
feel that too, So I know they've been fantastic and
it's been great having been on board for this.
Speaker 1 (05:52):
Yeah, and Jess, you yourself your season, that confidence you
talk of it certainly shows in the numbers as well,
closing in on the three hundred run marker, thirteen wickets
to your name as well from the Super Smash season
so far, and everyone I've spoken to over the summer
has talked about that hard work you've put in to
really have a strong season. Can you just elaborate on
sort of how you approach this season and what might
(06:13):
have contributed to some of that form.
Speaker 3 (06:15):
Yeah, I guess, you know, unfortunate enough to be a
full time cricket so you have some long, hard training
blocks and as a result of that, I've had a
bit more time betting, betting in the nets and training
and working on a few things, and I guess I
quite enjoy watching woman's cricket too. And when you're watching leagues,
(06:36):
you just see the amount of all rounders getting picked up,
and you know, merely being my sister as one of them,
you just see the importance of that. So I'm someone
that never wants to settle with their game, and I've
sort of seen in and out of the White Ferns squad,
so I know I want to improve on certain areas
to try and try and make that eleven again and
(06:57):
get picked up in leagues.
Speaker 2 (06:58):
So to.
Speaker 3 (07:00):
Yeah, just improve a bit more worth. My bowling and
batting and fielding too has has been cool and yet,
like I said before, T twenty is pretty sickle and
it's it's come off my way unfortunately. That yeah, it's
it's been good fun and just having that consistent opportunity
with Wellington, I think it's been really valuable for me.
Speaker 1 (07:20):
And on me lee, how proud is everyone around the
inner circle of you know, your family and and sort
of you know friends as well, just on not just
Meae's award during the week, but her you know continued
growths as a cricketers as a leader must be amazing
to watch as an older sister.
Speaker 3 (07:37):
Yeah, no, I'm very proud of her, and yeah, our
family's very good at celebrating each other's successes. But yeah,
she's sort of got me back into cricket when when
I was a bit younger and has always been an
inspiration for me. So the the way she goes about
her training and business behind the scenes that not even
unseas is cool to be able to see that and
(08:01):
to receive those awards as a sort of cherry on
top to her. But yeah, she's been a fantastic leader
for the Blaze. I think it sometimes goes unnoticed with
how smooth it it all runs, but yeah, she's a
great thinker of the game and just a great human
as well, and makes everyone feel really special and valued.
Speaker 1 (08:19):
Yeah awesome, And I hope the Blaze are going to
feel special and valued this weekend as well, because finally,
after season after season of successes, kind of being at
the whim of whether the men's final is going to
be at you finally get to play another final at
the Basin Reserve. How excited is everyone to be able
to have friends and family coming along, not having to
travel and see you not just for the elimination final,
(08:40):
but hopefully the Grand final on Sunday as well.
Speaker 3 (08:43):
Oh yeah, so special to have that locked in, and
thankfully we have the top three. So yeah, to be
rewarded with that after years of success that the Blazers
head is pretty special. And we've missed out on a
few home finals in the past, so to have that
locked in is very cool. And the support we get
(09:04):
from Wellington throughout the summer for a number of years
is incredible. It's my favorite place to play, and they're
great watches of the game too. And yeah, you can't
you can't beat Wellington on a good I'm not sure
how good the weather is looking, but hopefully they get
around us and we can get a couple of wins
for them.
Speaker 1 (09:22):
Yeah, and there's already been eight titles the blaze of
one in this competition. Certainly you know, the dominant team
in that facet, but I'm sure Justice hasn't you know,
deterred any motivation for yet another title from you know,
experienced players like you, but also the younger members of
the group.
Speaker 3 (09:37):
Yeah, look, he's sort of cracket you take every game
in season like it's a new one, so you almost
forget about what has been before and focus on the now.
And that's sort of my attitude at them at the minute.
It's I want to win this year and yeah, keep
contributing and playing well for Wellington and it would just
(09:57):
be special to add another title to that, especially with
all the sort of setbacks we've had with certain players
being in and out, it would be really special to
overcome that with a whim.
Speaker 1 (10:09):
Well, Jess, I know everyone and Wellington will be right
and behind you and the team. Hopefully good crowds at
the basin right across the weekend to cheer on the Blaze.
So thanks for chatting has always big congratulations on your
season so far, not just Super Smash but leading up
to then as well and all the successes that have
come with it. So all the very best this weekend
and thanks for your time.
Speaker 3 (10:28):
Thanks veram.
Speaker 1 (10:29):
Jess Kerr part of the Wellington Blaze heading into Super
Smash Finals weekend, and yeah, we talked with Jess about
her younger sister, Meely Kerr. Her of course, had the
amazing and well deserved accolade during the week of IC
see Women's World Player of the Year. What an amazing
award that is for someone still so young in their career.
(10:50):
But Yah, Meely Kerr has topped the running stats and
the Super Smash this season as well, three hundred and
ninety seven for the Wellington Blaze Skipper. Big score that
she's contributed for the team as well in an average
of seventy nine point four that tops the sheets for
the competition and the Super Smash Women's So absolutely amazing
(11:10):
contribution yet again that meee Care along with her sister Jess,
has made to the Blaze campaign this year and hopefully
that continues over well today and then all going well
a final tomorrow against Otago. I popped along to the
Basin Reserve yesterday where things were counting down to finals weekend,
caught up with Meelee as well.
Speaker 2 (11:29):
Well.
Speaker 1 (11:30):
Melee starting a playoff weekend is a pretty familiar position
for the Blaze to be in recent years. How do
you find the best approaches building up to a weekend
like this?
Speaker 2 (11:37):
Ah, Yeah, I probably don't think about it too much
and it's just taking each game as it comes and yeah,
exciting that we're here and get to play at home
as well, so we're looking forward to getting out tomorrow
and yeah, hopefully it's a busy weekend and we get
to play a couple of games.
Speaker 1 (11:53):
Had chance about yesterday obviously, but not field to that
sort of change the momentum leading up to the weekend.
I guess missing out on the chance to grow straight
to Sunday.
Speaker 2 (12:01):
Yeah, it would have been obviously nice to play the
full game and see if we could qualify top that. Yeah,
we can't control the weather and still to be in
the top three and get to I guess play nd
again tomorrow. I guess we had a mini dress rehearsal
yesterday and yeah, we can improve on a few things.
Speaker 1 (12:20):
So you got the chance to bat, What was the
assessment of that? I think, different wicket to what we'll
have over the weekend, But what did your work of
the team's batting yesterday.
Speaker 2 (12:27):
Yeah, it was a slow wicket yesterday and we've got
a fresh wicket for the semis, so that will be
completely different. I just think partnerships are key, and that's
throughout the whole camp. The teams that have posted big partnerships,
partnerships off the ball with one games and yeah, that's
as simple as it.
Speaker 1 (12:46):
Is in terms of just yeah, where the team's out
of the batting is obviously been the highlight we've seeing yourself, Jess,
Rebecca Burns, you know, get some really quality scores this season.
We'll talk about Jess firstly, what kind of work has
she put in this season because the results that she's
been getting have been amazing.
Speaker 2 (12:58):
Right, Yeah, Jess has been awesome. She's been quietly working
away to betting for a long time behind the scenes,
and yeah, people have asked what's happened, But all I've
said is she's betted four and previous season she's betted seven.
So it's just the opportunity she's had to be able
to actually bat time rather than be a finisher. And
(13:18):
she's been awesome, and I think she's developed some maturity
to be able to play those types of innings without
giving her wicket away. So yeah, she's really important for
the Blaze and if she is a great weekend will
probably be in good hands.
Speaker 1 (13:32):
So what's the sort of the relationship like your younger sister,
but captain, how do you sort of work with her
on her game?
Speaker 2 (13:39):
Yeah? I just I think it's normal, like we're great friends.
Jess and I am. I guess she sees me as
an older sister in terms of cricket, as I've played
longer than her and she started a bit later, and
she just wants to learn and keep getting better. And
to see her playing this comp and the confidence she's
(13:59):
been getting just by playing every game and having a
huge role, she's really taken that responsibility. And yeah, it's
just about encouraging her to keep backing her skills and
what she does really well.
Speaker 1 (14:11):
And your own form as well has been amazing in
a very special week for you, as well as your
confidence at a high at the moment.
Speaker 2 (14:17):
I don't really live too much on performances giving me
confidence or not, just because cricket's so fickle. It's each
game they've got to turn up and follow my same
processes and try be the best I can be and
stick to my game plan and if it comes off
grade and if it doesn't, as long as I've stuck
to my game plan, I can kind of live by that.
(14:37):
But yeah, it's been a special week. Nice to be
able to share it with people close to me, and
it's going to mean a lot more if we can
get a final at home.
Speaker 1 (14:48):
Yep, and you have had a lot of times over
the years having to play finals away despite being top qualifiers.
And finally you know you'll be at the Basin to
play in front of friends and family. What does that
mean to the team.
Speaker 3 (14:58):
Yeah, it means a lot.
Speaker 2 (15:00):
For a few years ago we had a final here
with the Firebirds as well and that was pretty special
to play at home. And yeah, we've had a lot
of finals away, so we've got to get there first.
But yeah, we'll take on tomorrow and it's yeah, nice
to be at our home.
Speaker 1 (15:14):
Medie Kerr, the captain of the Wellington Blaze, speaking to
us there yesterday at the Basin Reserve and obviously just
a moment ago, had her sister Jessica on the line
previewing finals weekends. For more from News Talks at b
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In a few hours time. The Wellington Blaze will continue
their bid for a record extending ninth Super Smash Domestic
twenty twenty title. The Wellington Blaze finishing seconds in the
competition this year, which means today they gather at the
Basin Reserve at twelve forty for the elimination final up
against Northern Brave after a hotly contested round robin. The
(00:22):
winner of this match will go on to meet Otago
in the final, also at the Basin tomorrow afternoon. One
of the highlights for the Blaze season has been the
all round form of white Fern Jess Kerr thirteen wickets
a best bowling performance of four wickets for eighteen runs
in the season so far, but with abat two hundred
(00:43):
and ninety nine runs scored across the Blaze ten matches
by Jess Kerr and an average of forty two point
seven to one for the season. So great to see
Jess finding some amazing form through the Super Smash campaign
and obviously helping the Blaze to get to their top
three position as they have done here into finals weekend.
We're chatting out to Jess Kerr now and Jess obviously
(01:04):
I just wanted to find out firstly how things sit
for you and the team heading into this weekend given
you didn't play on Thursday. Well, yeah you got to
bat but didn't get a final result against Northern in
the final round. So yeah, what sort of the gauge
of where things sit heading into finals weekends?
Speaker 2 (01:19):
Oh?
Speaker 3 (01:19):
Look, you always want to want to play a full
game of cricket and it would have been nice to
go out there and have a bowl and try and
try and to send that total. But it was almost
a little dress rehearsal really with the game and you
think things to work on and you know, when we're
playing the exact same team again is quite nice in
a way.
Speaker 1 (01:38):
Yeah, so yeah Northern again And I guess you know,
missing out on the chance to bid for that top
qualifying spot to get into the Sunday final part of
the weekend. Is that a benefit or a setback or
does it not make much difference having to play this
extra game on the road to to hopefully another title,
And look, I think.
Speaker 3 (01:56):
You can look at it either way. Obviously, it would
have been great to qualify top and have that sort
of security with a bit of bad weather floating around.
But on the flip side. You you win that eliminator
and you're on a bit of a role and you
know a Targo haven't have had a quiet sort of
end to their campaign, so there's also coming off not
much cricket. So yeah, you can look at it either way.
(02:18):
That you could say they're well rested and good to go,
and you could say where we could be good to
go because we've played a lot of cricket of laden
and on a roll. So yeah, however, what team you support,
you might take it either way exactly.
Speaker 1 (02:32):
You did have a chance to bat, though you and
the team, did you get much of an indication from
then where the forms out? I guess maybe a slightly
lower score than the normal or was sort of that
just just part of everything going on in the gloomy
conditions that Wellington had on Thursday.
Speaker 3 (02:46):
Yeah, it was a slightly older wacket and I think
probably myself and a few others didn't quite adapt. But
I thought, you still, you know, still still some promising signs.
I thought beck started also merely incored the innings like
she always does, and also great that a lot of
our girls did get a chance to bet, especially the
last last couple of games going into finals, having had
(03:08):
time in the middle was as valuable. And yeah, I
guess taking those learnings for the top order betters to
what we can do on a new wicket and against
the same team. What are the best options to hopefully
score a bigger total than one nineteen or one twenty.
Speaker 1 (03:25):
What sort of as the momentum level like with the
team at the moment, they've been a couple couple of
losses but also some really strong moments right through the season.
Where exactly do you think you're at heading into the weekend?
Speaker 3 (03:35):
Yeah, look, I think we've We've shown a lot of
resilience with people coming in and out and having internationals
as well. You know, we're quite an experience side with
some new members and so yeah, I think I think
we're in a really good place and the teams, the
team's been awesome. So we've played finals cricket before, we know,
(03:56):
we know what's to come, and yeah T twenty cricket
is fickle, but we're prepared for what's to come and
we've shown we can win games of cricket from from
any situation.
Speaker 1 (04:08):
Any talk of players coming in and out, you had
at least Perry at the start of the season Maitland
Brown with the team. Now, what kind of impact do
they add to an environment like yours?
Speaker 3 (04:18):
Oh yeah, they've all been fantastic. You know. Pears was
amazing the first first two games. They had a lot
of fun with her around. And I think what's impressed
me the most with all three of them is their professionalism,
but also the fun they have as well. And yeah,
a lot of our girls can can learn a lot
of that, and they just all elements of their game
(04:41):
they're they're awesome with They've shown, you know the importance
of fielding and even just the S and C side
of things too. You know, it's it's their full time jobs,
all of them, which which isn't quite there yet for
some of the days girls and probably a lot of
them are striving for it to be like that. So
to be around professional cre it is, it's just going
to make them better and they can learn off them,
(05:04):
which is really exciting.
Speaker 1 (05:06):
It was a relatively last minute coaching change to the
Blaze before the Super Smash season started. How hard was
that adjusting or has it been quite a smooth transition
with the new sort of two coaches coming on board
just before Supersmash began.
Speaker 3 (05:20):
Yeah, I think credit to Johnny and Joe with how
how well they've they've handled it. They've brought a really
positive attitude and just really really to be around the group.
And you know, I can only really speak for myself
that they've made really me feel really confident with my
game and I certainly feel valued in all aspects of
(05:43):
the game, which is awesome, and I'm sure the others
feel that too, So I know they've been fantastic and
it's been great having been on board for this.
Speaker 1 (05:52):
Yeah, and Jess, you yourself your season, that confidence you
talk of it certainly shows in the numbers as well,
closing in on the three hundred run marker, thirteen wickets
to your name as well from the Super Smash season
so far, and everyone I've spoken to over the summer
has talked about that hard work you've put in to
really have a strong season. Can you just elaborate on
sort of how you approach this season and what might
(06:13):
have contributed to some of that form.
Speaker 3 (06:15):
Yeah, I guess, you know, unfortunate enough to be a
full time cricket so you have some long, hard training
blocks and as a result of that, I've had a
bit more time betting, betting in the nets and training
and working on a few things, and I guess I
quite enjoy watching woman's cricket too. And when you're watching leagues,
(06:36):
you just see the amount of all rounders getting picked up,
and you know, merely being my sister as one of them,
you just see the importance of that. So I'm someone
that never wants to settle with their game, and I've
sort of seen in and out of the White Ferns squad,
so I know I want to improve on certain areas
to try and try and make that eleven again and
(06:57):
get picked up in leagues.
Speaker 2 (06:58):
So to.
Speaker 3 (07:00):
Yeah, just improve a bit more worth. My bowling and
batting and fielding too has has been cool and yet,
like I said before, T twenty is pretty sickle and
it's it's come off my way unfortunately. That yeah, it's
it's been good fun and just having that consistent opportunity
with Wellington, I think it's been really valuable for me.
Speaker 1 (07:20):
And on me lee, how proud is everyone around the
inner circle of you know, your family and and sort
of you know friends as well, just on not just
Meae's award during the week, but her you know continued
growths as a cricketers as a leader must be amazing
to watch as an older sister.
Speaker 3 (07:37):
Yeah, no, I'm very proud of her, and yeah, our
family's very good at celebrating each other's successes. But yeah,
she's sort of got me back into cricket when when
I was a bit younger and has always been an
inspiration for me. So the the way she goes about
her training and business behind the scenes that not even
unseas is cool to be able to see that and
(08:01):
to receive those awards as a sort of cherry on
top to her. But yeah, she's been a fantastic leader
for the Blaze. I think it sometimes goes unnoticed with
how smooth it it all runs, but yeah, she's a
great thinker of the game and just a great human
as well, and makes everyone feel really special and valued.
Speaker 1 (08:19):
Yeah awesome, And I hope the Blaze are going to
feel special and valued this weekend as well, because finally,
after season after season of successes, kind of being at
the whim of whether the men's final is going to
be at you finally get to play another final at
the Basin Reserve. How excited is everyone to be able
to have friends and family coming along, not having to
travel and see you not just for the elimination final,
(08:40):
but hopefully the Grand final on Sunday as well.
Speaker 3 (08:43):
Oh yeah, so special to have that locked in, and
thankfully we have the top three. So yeah, to be
rewarded with that after years of success that the Blazers
head is pretty special. And we've missed out on a
few home finals in the past, so to have that
locked in is very cool. And the support we get
(09:04):
from Wellington throughout the summer for a number of years
is incredible. It's my favorite place to play, and they're
great watches of the game too. And yeah, you can't
you can't beat Wellington on a good I'm not sure
how good the weather is looking, but hopefully they get
around us and we can get a couple of wins
for them.
Speaker 1 (09:22):
Yeah, and there's already been eight titles the blaze of
one in this competition. Certainly you know, the dominant team
in that facet, but I'm sure Justice hasn't you know,
deterred any motivation for yet another title from you know,
experienced players like you, but also the younger members of
the group.
Speaker 3 (09:37):
Yeah, look, he's sort of cracket you take every game
in season like it's a new one, so you almost
forget about what has been before and focus on the now.
And that's sort of my attitude at them at the minute.
It's I want to win this year and yeah, keep
contributing and playing well for Wellington and it would just
(09:57):
be special to add another title to that, especially with
all the sort of setbacks we've had with certain players
being in and out, it would be really special to
overcome that with a whim.
Speaker 1 (10:09):
Well, Jess, I know everyone and Wellington will be right
and behind you and the team. Hopefully good crowds at
the basin right across the weekend to cheer on the Blaze.
So thanks for chatting has always big congratulations on your
season so far, not just Super Smash but leading up
to then as well and all the successes that have
come with it. So all the very best this weekend
and thanks for your time.
Speaker 3 (10:28):
Thanks veram.
Speaker 1 (10:29):
Jess Kerr part of the Wellington Blaze heading into Super
Smash Finals weekend, and yeah, we talked with Jess about
her younger sister, Meely Kerr. Her of course, had the
amazing and well deserved accolade during the week of IC
see Women's World Player of the Year. What an amazing
award that is for someone still so young in their career.
(10:50):
But Yah, Meely Kerr has topped the running stats and
the Super Smash this season as well, three hundred and
ninety seven for the Wellington Blaze Skipper. Big score that
she's contributed for the team as well in an average
of seventy nine point four that tops the sheets for
the competition and the Super Smash Women's So absolutely amazing
(11:10):
contribution yet again that meee Care along with her sister Jess,
has made to the Blaze campaign this year and hopefully
that continues over well today and then all going well
a final tomorrow against Otago. I popped along to the
Basin Reserve yesterday where things were counting down to finals weekend,
caught up with Meelee as well.
Speaker 2 (11:29):
Well.
Speaker 1 (11:30):
Melee starting a playoff weekend is a pretty familiar position
for the Blaze to be in recent years. How do
you find the best approaches building up to a weekend
like this?
Speaker 2 (11:37):
Ah, Yeah, I probably don't think about it too much
and it's just taking each game as it comes and yeah,
exciting that we're here and get to play at home
as well, so we're looking forward to getting out tomorrow
and yeah, hopefully it's a busy weekend and we get
to play a couple of games.
Speaker 1 (11:53):
Had chance about yesterday obviously, but not field to that
sort of change the momentum leading up to the weekend.
I guess missing out on the chance to grow straight
to Sunday.
Speaker 2 (12:01):
Yeah, it would have been obviously nice to play the
full game and see if we could qualify top that. Yeah,
we can't control the weather and still to be in
the top three and get to I guess play nd
again tomorrow. I guess we had a mini dress rehearsal
yesterday and yeah, we can improve on a few things.
Speaker 1 (12:20):
So you got the chance to bat, What was the
assessment of that? I think, different wicket to what we'll
have over the weekend, But what did your work of
the team's batting yesterday.
Speaker 2 (12:27):
Yeah, it was a slow wicket yesterday and we've got
a fresh wicket for the semis, so that will be
completely different. I just think partnerships are key, and that's
throughout the whole camp. The teams that have posted big partnerships,
partnerships off the ball with one games and yeah, that's
as simple as it.
Speaker 1 (12:46):
Is in terms of just yeah, where the team's out
of the batting is obviously been the highlight we've seeing yourself, Jess,
Rebecca Burns, you know, get some really quality scores this season.
We'll talk about Jess firstly, what kind of work has
she put in this season because the results that she's
been getting have been amazing.
Speaker 2 (12:58):
Right, Yeah, Jess has been awesome. She's been quietly working
away to betting for a long time behind the scenes,
and yeah, people have asked what's happened, But all I've
said is she's betted four and previous season she's betted seven.
So it's just the opportunity she's had to be able
to actually bat time rather than be a finisher. And
(13:18):
she's been awesome, and I think she's developed some maturity
to be able to play those types of innings without
giving her wicket away. So yeah, she's really important for
the Blaze and if she is a great weekend will
probably be in good hands.
Speaker 1 (13:32):
So what's the sort of the relationship like your younger sister,
but captain, how do you sort of work with her
on her game?
Speaker 2 (13:39):
Yeah? I just I think it's normal, like we're great friends.
Jess and I am. I guess she sees me as
an older sister in terms of cricket, as I've played
longer than her and she started a bit later, and
she just wants to learn and keep getting better. And
to see her playing this comp and the confidence she's
(13:59):
been getting just by playing every game and having a
huge role, she's really taken that responsibility. And yeah, it's
just about encouraging her to keep backing her skills and
what she does really well.
Speaker 1 (14:11):
And your own form as well has been amazing in
a very special week for you, as well as your
confidence at a high at the moment.
Speaker 2 (14:17):
I don't really live too much on performances giving me
confidence or not, just because cricket's so fickle. It's each
game they've got to turn up and follow my same
processes and try be the best I can be and
stick to my game plan and if it comes off
grade and if it doesn't, as long as I've stuck
to my game plan, I can kind of live by that.
(14:37):
But yeah, it's been a special week. Nice to be
able to share it with people close to me, and
it's going to mean a lot more if we can
get a final at home.
Speaker 1 (14:48):
Yep, and you have had a lot of times over
the years having to play finals away despite being top qualifiers.
And finally you know you'll be at the Basin to
play in front of friends and family. What does that
mean to the team.
Speaker 3 (14:58):
Yeah, it means a lot.
Speaker 2 (15:00):
For a few years ago we had a final here
with the Firebirds as well and that was pretty special
to play at home. And yeah, we've had a lot
of finals away, so we've got to get there first.
But yeah, we'll take on tomorrow and it's yeah, nice
to be at our home.
Speaker 1 (15:14):
Medie Kerr, the captain of the Wellington Blaze, speaking to
us there yesterday at the Basin Reserve and obviously just
a moment ago, had her sister Jessica on the line
previewing finals weekends. For more from News Talks at b
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