The Western Fury staged a one day practice match at Tompkins Park in preparation for their first 2008-2009 WNCL match against the SA Scorpions on November 29.

The 50 over-a-side contest was a chance for everyone in the Fury squad to stake a claim on an opening round berth.

Regular Fury Captain Avril Fahey was missing due to a virus so Peta Merilees stepped in to skipper one side while Fury Vice Captain Renee Chappell captained the other.

Runs flowed right from the start of play with Southern Stars representative Lauren Ebsary (32) getting off to a rocketing start.

Jenny Gunn claimed the early wicket of Amanda Williams (0) and then combined with Kate Burns to run out skipper Peta Merilees (4) to put her side in an excellent position.

Jenny Wallace (75) strode to the crease with the game in the balance and set about consolidating the innings with Rachel Reynolds (28).

Wallace's innings sent a message to Fury Coach Steve Philippe that she is ready to stand up in the big games and help guide them to a first up win against SA.

Kate Burns made the breakthrough, removing Wallace caught behind to bring Rene Farrell to the middle.

Farrell played superbly to compile 44 not out and guide her side along with Emma King (22 n.o) to a big total of 5-230.

Skipper Rene Chappell (2-41) claimed best figures with the ball and had assistance from Jenny Gunn (1-35) and Kate Burns (1-54).

The run chase got off to a shaky start with the loss of early wickets but Angele Gray (35) kept the score ticking along.

When Gray was out, Chappell (75) and Lauren Stammers (48) guided their side to within reach of the winning total.

Chappell's brilliant all round performance confirmed her place as one of the big contenders to claim a spot in the Southern Stars side to play in next year's World Cup.

Holly Hyder (21) made a useful knock at the end of the innings before being out LBW which left it to Shaw (7n.o) and Burns (1 n.o) to bring up the hard fought win.

The Western Fury go head to head with the SA Scorpions at Aquinas College Oval on 29 and 30 November 2008 in the opening round of the WNCL.