Harley James (97) led a strong top-order batting display in Canterbury's innings of 249 for nine, and an outstanding display of medium-fast bowling by Wade Cornelius torpedoed any chance of the Aucklanders challenging that total. Auckland never recovered from a poor start and fell 85 runs short.

It was all somewhat academic, for Canterbury and Auckland were already assured of contesting the final. Indeed, Cornelius was officially Canterbury's 12th man, but the traditional drinks carriers were given licence to bowl by mutual agreement.

Cornelius did not waste his opportunity. Though guilty of some waywardness - he conceded eight wides - Cornelius finished with the remarkable figures of 10-1-30-6. He conceded only 10 runs, plus the eight wides, in his first nine overs, and after having 12 runs taken in his last over, struck back to claim his sixth wicket.

Wicketkeeper Ben Yock also had a prosperous afternoon for Canterbury, gloving four catches and a stumping.

Scores:

Wellington second XI 278-8 (S Golder 121, J Franklin 47no, L Kelly 41; N Rushton 4-46) beat Otago second XI 199 (S Forde 55, C MacKenzie 39, Rushton 28; S Hotter 2-16, J Dry 3-36, G Murray 2-38) by 79 runs.

Canterbury second XI 249-9 (H James 97, R Frew 57, M Papps 32; J Lintott 3-43, J Pawley 4-54) beat Auckland second XI 164 (R King 37, I Bilcliff 37; W Cornelius 6-30, C Anderson 2-41) by 85 runs.