A State League season that looked like diving into oblivion ended with champagne corks popping for Canterbury, crowned national women's one-day cricket champions.
A loss to Wellington in round six at the Basin Reserve this month appeared to signal the end of the team's title hopes.
However, areversal of form saw them scrape into Saturday's final, where they beat Wellington by eight wickets.
Wellington were never in contention when they were dismissed for 121 on a low, slow pitch. The visitors then reached 122 for two off 39 overs, the chase anchored by reliable left-hander Maria Fahey's 57, while Haidee Tiffen closed the deal, unbeaten on 35.
