Bennett seven-for gives Canterbury lead

Hamish Bennett's seven-wicket haul helped dismiss Wellington for 188 on a rain-affected third day at Basin Reserve and gave Canterbury a slender 27-run lead in the first innings of the State Championship final. Canterbury ended the day on 10 for no loss.

Rain delayed the start until 3.15 pm local time and when play resumed Brandon Hiini broke the 48-run stand for the seventh wicket by having Dewayne Bowden caught behind by Kruger van Wyk for 22. The innings folded quickly thereafter - the last three wickets fell for 11 runs - with Bennett taking the three remaining wickets to add to his four on the second day. Luke Woodcock remained unbeaten on 35.

Canterbury's openers, Todd Astle and Michael Papps, batted for seven overs and remained unbeaten on 3 and 6 respectively.