An eye-catching performance by Australian allrounder Trish Brown ensured a victorious start for the Konica Queensland Fire's Women's National Cricket League campaign at Allan Border Field yesterday.

Brown took 4-19 from seven overs to restrict the Southern Scorpions to 9-159 in reply to Queensland's total of 5-166 from its 50 overs.

The left-arm quick had 2-5 from four overs at one point as the Fire overcame the in-form Scorpions line-up that included leading Australian batter Karen Rolton.

Former Australian player Joanne Broadbent made a successful comeback against her old State for the Fire, scoring 42, after opener Melissa Bulow had led the way with 48.

A late innings flurry from Australian Youth squad pace bowler Megan White, who clouted 24 from 22 balls, helped the Fire to post a competitive total.

The two teams meet again in Sunday at Allan Border Field.

© 2002 Stephen Gray

This report does not necessarily represent the views of the Australian Cricket Board.