Greater Northern Raiders: Belinda Vakarewa balls out in debut

The 22-year-old played her first game since suffering a knee injury in November for Greater Northern against Clarence on Saturday.

Vakarewa finished 1-9 in seven overs as well as a catch, followed by a 53-run innings to steer her side to a three-wicket victory.

"It was really good - it's been a while since I've played a 50-over game," She said after the match.

"But I can definitely say I had a lot of fun out there bowling for the girls ... I just had a lot of fun, enjoyed it and got a win."

Vakarewa's knee injury sidelined her for the remainder of the Hurricanes' season; in her second ever game in orange, she barely skipped a beat in striking one ball after another.

"I'm feeling quite good, still easing back into it things but it's coming along nicely in time for the WNCL," she said. Vakarewa was eager to see her success continue going into the second half of the season.

"For me personally I'm just trying to bowl well and get a good season behind us and get wins for the team, because I love winning," she said.