The State Auckland Hearts begin their quest for a third consecutive State League women's cricket title when they commence their campaign with four home games at North Harbour Stadium and Melville Park starting this weekend.

The State Auckland Hearts play the State Canterbury Magicians at North Harbour Stadium on Saturday and Sunday followed by the State Otago Sparks at Melville Park on Monday and Tuesday. It will be the first time a provincial women's cricket match is played at North Harbour Stadium.

The State League will be played over four rounds with the final taking place on February 3.

State Auckland Hearts Captain, Kathryn Ramel says the team are greatly looking forward to the challenge of defending their State League title against the best of New Zealand's provincial women's cricket teams. The team are also the current holders of the Sport Auckland WestpacTrust Team of the Year Award for their efforts in winning the title in 2001.

"Winning our third consecutive State League title is the primary goal, however, we will also be striving to achieve the high standards we set ourselves in batting, bowling and fielding during matches," said Ramel.

"We will be fielding a team with a mix of youth and experience. Some of the players will have their first experience of playing cricket at this level. In combination with the more senior players we have created a really committed and supportive team environment to work with," said Ramel.

Whilst top order batting is a strength for the State Auckland Hearts, a new and untested bowling attack is one of the areas being targeted for specific focus by Ramel and the State Auckland Hearts team.

CLEAR White Ferns Emily Drumm, Ramel, Rebecca Rolls and Helen Watson will all be in action for the State Auckland Hearts in the January/February domestic competition.

The State Auckland Hearts team to play the State Canterbury Magicians in the first match at North Harbour Stadium on Saturday is:

Kathryn Ramel (captain)
Ingrid Cronin-Knight
Emily Drumm
Shelley Fruin
Paula Gruber
Kelly Hill
Michelle Lynch
Deb Ramsey
Rebecca Rolls
Natalee Scripps
Megan Tyler
Helen Watson

State Auckland Hearts v State Canterbury Magicians, North Harbour Stadium, Saturday 12 January, 12pm

State Auckland Hearts v State Canterbury Magicians, North Harbour Stadium, Sunday 13 January, 10.30am

State Auckland Hearts v State Otago Sparks, Melville Park, Monday 14 January, 10.30am

State Auckland Hearts v State Otago Sparks, Melville Park, Tuesday 15 January, 10.30am

© Auckland Cricket Association