Chasing 213 to win, Canterbury began well with Sally Frahm and Debbie Hockley putting on 42 for the first wicket. Hockley and Karen Le Comber then added 75 runs.

However, the brakes were applied when Kathryn Ramel began bowling. Not only did she contain, she also removed Le Comber and Lisa Astle.

Just as Canterbury was regaining its momentum, two superb run-outs got rid of Hockley and Helen Watson.

Two excellent caught and bowled chances accepted by Kelly Brown and Claire Nicholson put paid to Canterbury's hopes.

Earlier, Auckland had chosen to bat first and made 212.

Short scoreboard: Auckland 212 (L Harford 55, C Nicholson 39; H Watson 3-40) beat Canterbury 201-9 (D Hockley 77, K Le Comber 31; Nicholson 3-42, K Ramel 2-26).