Chasing 9-138 from 45 overs, after last-placed Cardiff won the toss and batted, Wests raced to victory in 16.4 overs.

Price, the runaway leader in player-of-the-year voting, smashed 115 not out from 64 balls, with nine sixes and six fours. With fellow opener Ben Chew (22 not out), he helped secure the win with all 10 wickets intact.

Wests moved to 55 competition points, 15 clear of their nearest rivals Belmont, who climbed from second to third by beating Waratah-Mayfield at Waratah Oval.

Representative paceman Dan Bailey (6-37) was chiefly responsible for rolling Waratah for 128 in reply to Belmont's 183.

Belmont leapfrogged Hamilton-Wickham, who suffered an upset loss to University at Passmore Oval.

Opting to bat first, Hamwicks were bowled out for 147 after medium-pacer Josh Taylor claimed 6-35.

They passed the total three wickets down, after 56 from opener Joe Hart and 37 from skipper Andrew Harriott.

Still at the crease on nine not out was Grant Stewart, making his first appearance of the season after returning from England, where he plays professionally for Kent.

At Lynn Oval, an all-round double from skipper Nick Foster (4-72 and 65 not out) allowed Stockton (3-194) to down Charlestown (9-191) and consolidate their hold on fourth position.

Meanwhile, captain Nathan Price finished 100 not out as Wallsend (7-283) batted on past Newcastle City's 164 at Learmonth Park.

Merewether (4-168) climbed to sixth with a win against Toronto (9-166) at Ron Hill Oval.