Vincent blitz seals big Auckland win

Auckland completed a comprehensive defeat of Wellington to reach third place on the HRV Cup points table. Opener Lou Vincent was in a ruthless mood at Colin Maiden Park, smashing an unbeaten 105 off just 60 balls. His innings was laced with eight fours and six sixes and received solid support for the first wicket from Martin Guptill, who stroked 60 on the way to a stand of 149. A breakthrough didn't interrupt Auckland's domination, as Scott Styris stepped in to steal 40 off just 21 balls in a late surge to lift his team to a formidable 229.

Opener Neal Parlane's 85 formed the backbone of Wellington's reply but there was a chronic lack of support from the rest. The next highest score was just 13 as Auckland's bowlers kept grabbing wickets at frequent intervals to limit Wellington to 161 and seal a 68-run victory. Wellington's third defeat in the competition has now left them at fifth place on the points table.

Central Districts fought hard to overcome Canterbury in Timaru to record their fourth win of the competition and take first place on the points table. Chasing a competitive 163 for victory, CD were led home through half-centuries from Matthew Sinclair and Ross Taylor, who were involved in a decisive 88-run stand after the first two wickets were lost for 37. Sinclair remained unbeaten on 54, but Taylor's attacking 53, off just 27 balls, ensured CD were well ahead of the required run-rate. It ensured victory was sealed with an over to spare.

Canterbury's batting effort had been a collective one with the middle order, led by Peter Fulton (43), Shanan Stewart (35) and Johann Myburgh (28), helping them reach a fighting score. Graham Napier, however, grabbed two wickets to ensure the target remained a gettable one.