Hearts, Hinds make it four from four

The Auckland Hearts and Central Hinds have quickly become the frontrunners in the women’s domestic one-day competition.

Defending champions Auckland and Central both remained unbeaten and improved to 4-0 in the Hallyburton Johnstone Shield after banking a pair of victories over the weekend.

The Hinds thumped neighbours Wellington in both matches in Palmerston North over the weekend. They cruised to a 124-run win on Saturday after seamer Monique Rees snared 5-14 to help dismiss Wellington for just 75 in response to Central’s 199.

Wellington were outplayed again yesterday with the Hinds cruising to a seven wicket win after Rees’ three wickets helped restrict the Blaze to 106.

Auckland overcame the Northern Spirit in both matches at Colin Maiden Park with opener Lauren Down playing a pivotal part in their success.

Down notched 49 in Saturday’s sevenrun Duckworth-Lewis method win and then hit 108 from 120 balls in yesterday’s seven-wicket triumph.

She was one of three batters to bring up centuries yesterday, along with Canterbury skipper Frances Mackay (115) and Northern opener Katie Gurrey (102).

Mackay was influential in guiding previously winless Canterbury to their first victory of the competition.

Her ton and 192-run second wicket stand with White Fern Kate Ebrahim, who scored 82, was vital in getting the Magicians through to 275-7 in Oamaru.

Otago, who beat Canterbury by 43 runs on Saturday, were unable to make it backto-back wins as they were limited to 229.

Mackay followed up her outstanding showing with the bat, taking 4-34 from nine overs with her offspin.

Gurrey’s century was in vain for Northern as they lost their fourth straight match to start the competition.