Auckland got the maximum points they were looking for in State League matches against Canterbury over the weekend.

Auckland recorded two victories, after starting a week later than the four southern teams in the competition.

Yesterday, Canterbury batted first at North Harbour Stadium after winning the toss and when rain stopped play 25 overs into the innings, Canterbury were 86/3. When play resumed, Canterbury had three overs for a slog fest in the reduced overs match and Canterbury ended up with 111/5.

Paula Flannery scored 34 and Nicole Payne 29 for Canterbury while Debbie Ramsay took two for 15 from her six overs for Auckland.

Auckland made a rusty start and had eight wickets down when the winning runs were scored. Rebecca Rolls hit 22 while Haidee Tiffen took three for 26 for Canterbury, but Auckland got home with an over to spare.

Today, the story was completely different.

Auckland won the toss and batted first and were all out for 195 in the 50th over. Helen Watson and Emily Drumm each hit 39 for Auckland while Canterbury bowler Beth McNeill continued the outstanding contribution she has made for her side by taking six for 31.

Canterbury in reply struggled with the bat and were dismissed for 96 in the 43rd over. The 99-run losing margin was a record loss by Canterbury. Wickets were shared around among the Auckland bowlers but Ramsay was again the best with her two for 22.

In the Northern Districts game against Otago at WestpacTrust Park in Hamilton, Otago were batting first and were 101 for three after 29.1 overs when rain forced an abandonment in play.

Elizabeth Scurr scored 28 while Pauline te Beest was 42 not out.

However, on the second day Northern Districts managed to provide yet another surprise in the competition by beating Otago by two wickets.

Otago batted first and were all out in the 45th over for 132. Natalie Bannerman was easily the pick of the Otago batsmen with 47 runs while Sarah Helmore scored 26 and Rachel Pullar 24. Louise Milliken took three for 14 from her 10 overs while cleaning out the top order and Nicola Browne took three for 16 from four overs.

Janice Fraser held the ND top-order together with 35 runs but when she was out, ND were still not halfway there. Jenny Stafford scored 20 and Milliken 19 to help ND home with 2.4 overs to spare.

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