Lou Vincent’s century helped State Auckland Aces to a vital victory over State Canterbury Wizards at Christchurch.
The 38-run win pushed Auckland back to the top of the State Shield table and closer to a post-season place.
The result also leaves the Wizards, winners 2006, at the bottom of the table and out of semi-final contention.
On the batter-friendly QEII Park, Vincent posted a season-best score of 129, which included 19 fours, as Auckland made 303 for six.
The total was their highest-ever against Canterbury and only their third limited-overs score in excess of 300.
Aces captain Richard Jones extended his good form with 69, and Kyle Mills displayed his batting form with 56, his second domestic One-Day century.
Canterbury slipped to 68 for four before middle-order duo Chris Harris (71) and Kruger van Wyk (63 not out) revived their fortunes.
However, they failed to up the run rate enough to keep alive their slim chances of retaining the State Shield
The Wizards will look to gain revenge in Sunday’s State Twenty20 clash.
