Central Districts got within seven runs of Canterbury but ran out of time and nearly ran out of wickets in their State Insurance Cup match in Palmerston North today.

Canterbury scored 190/9 in their 50 overs and CD was only able to reach 183/9 in reply.

Earlier Paula Flannery's 36 was the best of the Canterbury batting, with 29 extras making the second highest score.

Kate Pulford showed none of the effects of her century yesterday while bowling 10 overs to finish with 3-35. Aimee Mason took 2-29 from her 10 overs while Donna Trow had 0-26 from 10.

Then in reply Nicole Thessman was 59 not out and Pulford scored 28. Haidee Tiffen kept the pressure by taking 2-32 off 10 overs while Fiona Fraser had 2-36 from her 10.

The two teams play again tomorrow in Palmerston North.

Wellington's fears that they were going to be left with the competition's wooden spoon were partially relieved today when they beat Otago in the first of two games, at Lower Hutt's Petone Recreation Ground.

Batting first Otago took 50 overs to reach 114/9 with England fast bowler Clare Taylor top scoring with 25.

Wellington's Anna Corbin took one for seven from her 10 overs. Fiona Stickney took 2-8 from five and Frances King took 1-34 from her eight overs.

Wellington then got home in just under 40 overs with Frances King 36 not out. Amanda Cooper scored 22 while Otago veteran Jan Hall took 3-35 from eight overs.

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