The Auckland HEARTS are back on the road this weekend as they travel to Rangiora for rounds 3 and 4 of the Hallyburton Johnstone Shield, taking on the Canterbury Magicians.

Auckland arrive in strong shape, sitting at the top of the HBJ standings after a convincing opening weekend against the Otago Sparks. The HEARTS produced two composed and disciplined performances across rounds 1 and 2, showcasing both their depth and their balance as a group. With contributions coming from right across the XI, the squad head south with confidence and clarity about the cricket they want to play.

The batting group delivered in Dunedin, highlighted by the calm partnership between Prue Catton and Maddy Green that secured a confident victory in game two. Their composure late in the match underlined the experience in the batting order and the benefit of a settled combination that continues to grow with each outing.

With the ball, the HEARTS were consistently on the front foot. Fran Jonas was a standout across the weekend, finishing with five wickets to sit first equal in the competition. She was well supported by a disciplined group around her, with Amie Hucker and Josie Penfold collecting four wickets each as part of a wider bowling effort that kept Otago under sustained pressure. Auckland will, however, be without the experience of Molly Penfold for this upcoming weekend, with the fast bowler ruled out through injury. 

The trip to Rangiora will offer the HEARTS another early season test. Canterbury have traditionally been a competitive and well-organised side, and conditions at MainPower Oval often demand patience, accuracy, and a clear plan. For Auckland, the weekend represents another chance to reinforce the standards set in rounds 1 and 2 and continue their strong start to the campaign.

The HEARTS take on the Canterbury Magicians at MainPower Oval, Rangiora, with the first ball at 10:30am on Saturday 29 November and Sunday 30 November. Entry is free.

Match details:

Canterbury Magicians vs Auckland HEARTS
Hallyburton Johnstone Shield Round 3 & 4
Saturday 29 & Sunday 30 November, 10:30 am
MainPower Oval, Rangiora
Free entry

Auckland HEARTS squad:

Olivia Anderson - Parnell
Bella Armstrong - Cornwall
Elizabeth Buchanan - Auckland University
Prue Catton - Auckland University
Lauren Down - Takapuna
Maddy Green - Cornwall
Brooke Halliday - Howick Pakuranga
Amie Hucker - Cornwall
Bree Illing - Cornwall
Rishika Jaswal - North Shore
Fran Jonas - Cornwall
Aayan Lambat - Howick Pakuranga
Josie Penfold - Howick Pakuranga

Unavailable due to injury: Izzy Gaze, Molly Penfold

Article added: Friday 28 November 2025