Taieri Tuataras and KETOB A fought out a tense 3-3 draw to stay in contention for promotion to the top men's grade in 2015.
While Albany A, University Blue, University Black and Kings United A have all confirmed a place in next year's top tier, Taieri and KETOB face battles against University Seals and Taieri B in premier 2 to earn their spots.
KETOB, the premier 2 frontrunner, fought hard from the opening whistle and although Taieri drew first blood with a well-worked goal to Cameron O'Neill, there was little between the sides in the first half.
KETOB looked strong on attack and strung its passes together, and although chances were created through crafted attack play and penalty corners, the back of the net proved elusive and Taieri took its 1-0 lead into halftime.
When the sides returned to the turf, KETOB eyed its chance and equalised through a tactical goal from Ciaran Campbell.
KETOB grew in confidence after this goal and continued to hammer away at Taieri's defence, as it looked to take the lead.
Taieri's goalkeeper, Hayden Himburg, did well to hold out a strong attack and showed some desperate defence to save a certain goal, but KETOB's persistence allowed it to hit the front through a goal to Jeremy Rei.
The Tuataras were not about take this result lying down, however, and responded soon after when a Matt West equaliser found the back of the net.
The tight tussle continued and neither side gave an inch, even after some nasty injuries left the players battered and bruised.
Jens Moller's strike gave KETOB a 3-2 lead with five minutes to play and it looked to be the winner, but Taieri rose to the challenge again when West added his second through a converted penalty corner to end the game at 3-3.
Player-coach Brad Paterson said KETOB's patience and communication allowed the side to make the most of its opportunities.
Taieri goalkeeper Himburg said the game could have gone either way, but he was pleased his side was able to salvage a draw.
With two rounds left in the regular season, things are heating up at the McMillan Centre as the finals draw near.
In other premier men's results, Albany A beat University Black 3-1 and University Blue claimed a 2-0 win over Kings United A in premier 1, while University Seals beat Taieri B 5-1 in the other premier 2 match.
