Hearts find rhythm to maintain healthy lead

Cricket

Auckland Hearts consolidated their place at the top of the national women's one-day competition when they scored a comfortable 47-run win over Central Hinds at Queen Elizabeth Park Oval in Masterton on Sunday.

It was the second successive victory by the Hearts over the Hinds in this competition in as many days, following their two-wicket success on Saturday.

However, the Aucklanders did not manage the treble, Hinds having won the exciting Twenty20 fixture on Friday by a solitary run.

The foundations for Sunday's victory was laid by the Hearts' top order, something evidenced by statistics showing that after reaching 200 for the loss of four wickets they finished with 222-8 from their 50 overs.

Opener Victoria Lind top scored with 62 made in 100 minutes from 81 balls. She struck four 4s. Fellow opener Sam Curtis made 20, first drop Maddy Green 51 off 68 balls and White Fern Katie Perkins, who came in at No4, rattled up 41 off 45 balls.

Two of their more experienced campaigners, Kate Broadmore and Abby Burrows, were the most impressive of the Hinds attack, Broadmore taking 4-23 off her 10 overs and Burrows 1-24, also off 10 overs.

It was a former Wairarapa player, Irish international Eimear Richardson, who was the only shining light in the Hinds reply which produced a score of 175-9. Richardson's 74 came off 100 balls in 122 minutes and she hit seven 4s. Her wicket was the fourth to fall with the score at 119.

White Fern Sara McGlashan was next highest scorer for Hinds with 25 and those runs came in 25 minutes off 25 balls.

Four Hearts bowlers took two wickets apiece, Megan Tremaine (2-41), Paula Gruber (2-42), Georgia Guy (2-39) and Lauren Down (2-6).

Players and management of both sides praised the condition of a park oval pitch which provided a good batting surface.