League for the first time this season, overtaking previous leaders Cardinals.

The change came as a result of a 5-1 drubbing of Longtails.

From the outset Canaries bombarded their opponents, starting with two strong shots in the opening minute that were saved by Lori Morris. However, Morris' luck failed to hold as Samantha Adams scored on a tap-in the sixth minute.

A defensive error two minutes later allowed Rhonda Rawlins to double the advantage, converting from the top of the circle.

Longtails fought back as Joane Watson produced a dazzling solo run and shot that halved the arrears.

But further goals from Sarah Northcott, Emma Garron and a brilliant second goal by Rawlins sealed Longtails' fate.

In the B League, champions in waiting Canaries stumbled on their path to the title, losing 2-1 to third placed Cardinals.

Cardinals took the lead after 22 minutes when Tracy McPhee tallied, but had the goal erased four minutes later as Adrienne Cotterill equalised for Canaries.

A converted rebound by Linda Mahaffey early in the second half restored Cardinals' lead, one they never relinquished.

Remaining B League matches saw Bluebirds defeat Cardinals 1-0, while Orioles downed Swifts by a similar score.