Canterbury moved to a share of the lead of the State Insurance Cup competition today when beating Central Districts in Palmerson North by 79 runs.

Batting first Canterbury hit 263/9 with Haidee Tiffen hitting 86.

Backing up Tiffen's efforts were Jo Lawler with 61 and Nicola Payne and Lisa Astle who scored 26 each.

Zara McWilliams took 2-39 off nine overs while Kate Pulford conceded 34 runs from her 10 overs. Megan Graham, bowling at the death, took 4-32 from four overs.

CD was in early trouble and never recovered and while Aimee Mason showed some defiance in her innings of 59 and Emily Travis 29, CD was all out for 184. Nicola Payne took 3-33, Maria Fahey 2-33 and Haidee Tiffen 1-15.

Canterbury is now top equal with Auckland in the competition, although Auckland has the run rate advantage.

Meanwhile, in Petone, Wellington was dining out on the chance to bat first and ran up 266/3 in its 50 overs. Maia Lewis scored 86 not out from 61 balls.

Fiona Stickney hit 59, Anna O'Leary 45 and Amanda Cooper 21.

Otago was only able to muster 131 in reply with Clare Hutton taking 3-23 for Wellington who are now well and truly clear of wooden spoon territory.

© CricInfo