Having won their opening four home matches in the State League, the State Auckland Hearts now travel to Wellington and Masterton to play the State Wellington Blaze and State Central Hinds respectively.

The State Auckland Hearts play the State Wellington Blaze at the Petone Recreation Ground on Saturday and Sunday, before moving on to Queen Elizabeth Park, Masterton to play the State Central Hinds on Monday and Tuesday.

The State Auckland Hearts lead the competition with nineteen points from four matches. Perennial rivals, the State Canterbury Magicians are second on seventeen points from eight matches followed by the State Wellington Blaze on twelve points from four matches.

Thirteen players are named for the four match tour as a precaution for niggling injuries to several leading players. Calf injuries to Megan Tyler and Shelley Fruin see them left out of the squad for these matches. It is hoped that both players will be back for round four of the State League commencing on the 26 January.

Natalee Scripps came through an intensive bowling test last evening and is expected to play a full role in these matches.

The State Auckland Hearts squad for the lower north island tour is:

Kathryn Ramel (captain)
Kelly Brown
Ingrid Cronin-Knight
Emily Drumm
Paula Gruber
Kelly Hill
Elfrieda Komp
Victoria Lind
Michelle Lynch
Deb Ramsay
Rebecca Rolls
Natalee Scripps
Helen Watson

© Auckland Cricket Association