The Irish women's cricket team this weekend will begin their build-up for the 2000 CricInfo Women's World Cup with two one-day matches against the State Northern Districts women's team.

The Irish, who lost to New Zealand in the quarter-final of the 1997 World Cup, will be a strong opposition for the young Northern Districts side who are preparing for the start of the State Insurance Cup campaign.

The match is being played at WestpacTrust Park, Hamilton, and will begin at 10.30am. Entry is free with Milo coaching, competitions and giveaways throughout the lunch break.

The teams are:

Northern Districts: Anna Wilkins (captain), Nicola Browne, Janice Fraser, Shelley McElroy, Louise Milliken, Kristy Moore, Haylee Patridge, Neisha Pratt, Kim Robertson, Skye Sandilands, Anika Spedding, Jenny Stafford.

Ireland: Mirian Grealey (captain), Caitriona Beggs, Sandra Dawson, Isobel Joyce, Anne Linehan, Barbara McDonald, Ciara Metcalfe, Lara Molins, Clare O'Leary, Catherine O'Neill, Cliodhna Sharp, Clare Shillington, Nikki Squire, Karen Young, Saibh Young.

© CricInfo