Saffron Wilson whacked a century the last time she suited up for the Otago Sparks.
Her reward was a long wait for another go.
The 22-year-old right-hander missed out on a contract this summer and is not the first name the selectors jot down.
She was overlooked for the entire T20 campaign.
But her last innings for Otago was a cracker.
Wilson was promoted to open the batting and blazed 15 fours on her way to 109 from 97 balls in a Hallyburton Johnstone Shield game against the Central Hinds in Invercargill on December 9.
Third man, point, cover and the long-off boundaries all got hammered.
She has a very strong off-side game.
The return match the following day was abandoned and Wilson has been cooling her heels waiting for another shot.
The Super Smash started shortly after and she was not required.
But she has been named in the squad for the back-to-back games against Northern Districts this weekend and she is looking forward to rejoining the team.
"It has been a long time waiting, but it is always worth it to play with the Sparks girls", she said.
Her last knock felt "real natural and being out there with Polly [Inglis] when she was batting so well was just great fun.
"Obviously it was a bit disappointing not to get another opportunity, but we have such a strong Super Smash side ... so it was understandable.
"It is a hard team to crack, so I just have to wait for my opportunity", the student teacher said.
Seamer Louisa Kotkamp has also been named in the squad for today’s game, while Molly Loe will take her place for the Sunday fixture.
Kotkamp will be on debut.
White Ferns all-rounder Hayley Jensen is skipping the games while she builds up her bowling load post injury.
But White Ferns duo Suzie Bates and Eden Carson are both available which will bolster the side.
There is a straight final in the Hallyburton Johnstone Shield, so the Sparks will need good results from their final four round-robin matches to make it.
They are in fourth place with 12 points from six games, while Northern Districts are in second place with 16 points.
Wellington is on top with 19 points, Auckland (16 points) and Central Districts (12) points are very much still in the hunt, while Canterbury (six points) is in last place.
Hallyburton Johnstone Shield
University Oval - Today, tomorrow, 10.30am
Otago: Suzie Bates, Bella James, Felicity Robertson (captain), Caitlin Blakely, Polly Inglis, Saffron Wilson, Olivia Gain, Eden Carson, Emma Black, Sophie Oldershaw, Louisa Kotkamp, Molly Loe, Chloe Deerness.
Northern Districts: Tash Wakelin, Nensi Patel, Caitlin Gurrey, Jess Watkin, Sam Barriball, Eimear Richardson, Marina Lamplough, Holly Topp, Lucy Boucher, Jesse Prasad, Marama Downes, Kayley Knight, Shriya Naidu.
