Canterbury amassed a highly respectable 278 for five yesterday, spearheaded by a splendid Craig Cumming century. Wellington was well placed to overhaul it at 248 for three with a similarly impressive batting display, led by another century-maker, Tim Boyer, but faltered in the final overs.
From being 248 for three in the 44th over, Wellington lost five wickets for 27 runs and fell three runs short of its target. The loss followed a frustrating defeat to Canterbury in the Super Max final at the weekend.
Canterbury was fortunate to have its New Zealand representative Chris Harris to bowl the concluding overs. He took two wickets and helped dismiss the dominant Boyer (run out).
Wellington wanted 22 from the final four overs, which became 15 off two and 11 off one, as wickets began to tumble.
Warren Wisneski bowled the final over which produced eight runs, Mark Jefferson being bowled on the final ball with a death-or-glory shot when four was needed to win.
Earlier, Cumming's century and support roles from Llorne Howell, Brad Doody, and Gary Stead propelled the home side to a defendable total. Had there been any doubts about Cumming's top order place in Canterbury's one-day team, likely to be named today, they should have been erased by a quality innings.
Hitting five fours in his first seven scoring shots, Cumming played a wide array of strokes, his 102 coming from 111 balls with 15 fours.
He shared an opening stand of 79 with Llorne Howell and scored more quickly than Howell, who is usually more aggressive. Cumming and Brad Doody then piled on 93 on the placid pitch. Cumming was retired on reaching three figures, the first time he has scored a limited-overs century in Canterbury colours.
Harris and Stead maintained the momentum, adding 55, with most of the Wellington attack taking some punishment. Gavin Larsen, on the comeback trail, had a typically tidy spell dented by a six on his final ball by Harris.
Wellington scored freely in its turn, being set up for the chase by left-handed opener Phil Chandler, with 74 from 87 balls, with eight fours and a six. He played forcefully through the leg-side and, with Chris Nevin, add 76 for the first wicket. Chandler and Boyer then combined to add 87 for the third wicket.
On Chandler's exit the diminutive Boyer flourished, scoring at run-a-ball pace, and with Donaldson another 70 was scored. Boyer looked to be steering the visitor to victory before the collapse.