Canterbury slip into final from the blindside

Wellington's second loss of the weekend to Central Districts ushered Canterbury through a wide open door to win the right to meet Auckland in the final of the women's State League next weekend.

Wellington batted first and after plummeting to 21 for five wickets, had Maia Lewis to thank for dragging it through to 143 before the side was all out in the 50th over.

Lewis was eventually run out for 42 but in the process she added 56 with Anna Corbin (32) and 30 with Amanda Cooper.

Aimee Mason bowled from the outset and took three wickets for 12 runs off 10 overs while Kate Pulford backed her up with two for 21 from eight overs.

CD took 41.1 overs to hit the winning runs. Nicole Thessman scored 46 not out off 79 balls while Pulford scored 26 and Mason scored 34 off 45 balls.

Canterbury assured themselves of a place in the final when dismissing Otago for 81 in 34.2 overs in Oamaru. Extras of 21 were the top score for Otago while Rachel Pullar scored 16.

Helen Daly took three for 14 off 10 overs while Rebecca Steele took three for 10 off six.

Canterbury raced to an eight-wicket victory, and the bonus point as they scored the runs required off 20.2 overs.

Nicola Payne scored 26 and Haidee Tiffen 25 off 27 balls. Pullar provided something of a test for the batsmen in 10 overs of fire and brimstone as she took two for 23 from her 10 overs.

Auckland warmed up for the final by taking a 10-wicket win out of Northern Districts. ND scored 107 with Victoria Brown scoring 22 and Anna Wilkins 13. However, there was one concern for Auckland, they bowled 26 wides.

Paula Gruber took four for 15 from 9.2 overs while Natalie Scripps took two for 23 off 10 overs.

Auckland raced to victory in 15.5 overs. Rebecca Rolls, thankful for missed catches when on 0 and five, scored 58 off 46 balls while Michelle Lynch hit 36 off 50 balls.