Auckland Hearts too strong for Central Hinds at home

It was a largely one-sided walk in the park for defending One-Day champs the Auckland Hearts after the Central Hinds struggled to put up a challenging total against the star-studded city slickers at Melville Park.

Scorecard

After Hinds captain Michelle Mitchell opted to bat first, both she and fellow opener Rebecca Burns were lost for no score in a sharp start for the Hearts, who would prove themselves a cut above in the field.

Mitchell had been run out by Sara McGlashan, while Katie Perkins would go on to grab three catches — including a superb, leaping, one-handed left-hand take — to help Anna Peterson collect 3-41.

The Hinds would muster 152/9 in the meantime, first drop Lisa Grant top-scoring with 41, while WHITE FERN Holly Huddleston (1013 off her 10, including three maidens), Arlene Kelly (1-16, including five maidens) and Regina Lili’i (2-27) all turned in solid performances with the ball for the hosts.

It was never a total likely to threaten the Hearts, although a late clatter of wickets did spice up the chase a touch.

However, 43 from first drop Sara McGlashan, who had shared a 61-run stand with Anna Peterson for the second wicket; followed by a fluid 42 from a dashing Maddy Green had helped secure the chase in what ultimately unfolded as a comfortable two-wicket win in the 38th over.

The win sees the Hearts into second place on the table, Hinds spinner Jess Watkin meanwhile had taken a career-best 4-36, while Michelle McKay (née Bunkall) chipped in 3-21 for the still winless Central Hinds.