The Auckland Aces have trounced the Wellington Firebirds by 81 runs in the fourth round One-Day match at Colin Maiden Park.
The victory was set up by Daryl Tuffey who tore through the Wellington top order to have them 17 for three as they were in pursuit of 230.
Tuffey had Cameron Merchant in the fourth over before removing Matthew Bell and James Franklin in the eight to end his first spell with figures of three for five off six.
Stewart Rhodes (36) and Luke Woodcock (34) fought back but their wickets spelt the end as the tail crumbled and they were all out for 149 after 42 overs.
Ravi Bopara was also on song with the ball taking three for 34.
Earlier, Auckland put on 230 with contributions coming from opener Reece Young (41), Richard Jones (36), Bopara (43) and Andrew de Boorder (57).
It is the second time this season de Boorder has steaded the Auckland innings with a half century after making 55 against Central in the last match.
Andy McKay and Jeetan Patel both took three wickets for Wellington.
Auckland move to outright lead with three victories from four matches but the second placed Canterbury Wizards have a game in hand. Wellington are in propping up the bottom of the table with the solitary win.
