Auckland begin their quest for a third consecutive State League women's cricket title when they open their campaign with four home games at North Harbour Stadium and Melville Park this weekend.

The State Auckland Hearts play the State Canterbury Magicians at North Harbour Stadium on Saturday and Sunday followed by the State Otago Sparks at Melville Park on Monday and Tuesday. It will be the first time a provincial women's cricket match is played at North Harbour Stadium.

The State League will be played over four rounds with the final taking place on February 3.

Auckland captain, Kathryn Ramel says the team are greatly looking forward to the challenge of defending their title against the best of New Zealand's provincial women's cricket teams. The team are also the current holders of the Sport Auckland WestpacTrust Team of the Year Award for their efforts in winning the title in 2001.

"Winning our third consecutive State League title is the primary goal, however, we will also be striving to achieve the high standards we set ourselves in batting, bowling and fielding during matches," Ramel said.

"We will be fielding a team with a mix of youth and experience. Some of the players will have their first experience of playing cricket at this level. In combination with the more senior players we have created a really committed and supportive team environment to work with," she said.

While top order batting is a strength for Auckland, a new and untested bowling attack is one of the areas being targeted for specific focus by Ramel and the team.

CLEAR White Ferns Emily Drumm, Ramel, Rebecca Rolls and Helen Watson will all be in action for Auckland in the January/February competition.

The Auckland team to play Canterbury in the first match at North Harbour Stadium on Saturday is: Kathryn Ramel (captain), Ingrid Cronin-Knight, Emily Drumm, Shelley Fruin, Paula Gruber, Kelly Hill, Michelle Lynch, Deb Ramsey, Rebecca Rolls, Natalee Scripps, Megan Tyler, Helen Watson.

The full Auckland programme is:

Saturday: Auckland v Canterbury, North Harbour Stadium 12 noon. Sunday: Auckland v Canterbury, North Harbour Stadium, 10.30am. Monday: Auckland v Otago, Melville Park, 10.30am. Tuesday: Auckland v Otago, Melville Park 10.30am.

© CricInfo