Playing at home, the team impressively beat North Otago 5-1 on Saturday. The Balmacewen top team is three points ahead of defending champion St Clair which has a bye in the final round.
St Clair will have a home semifinal which is likely to be against Chisholm Park although that team meets the top Otago club team in the final round.
North Otago is only one point behind the Park team and could move ahead next Saturday with a good win over Balmacewen B.
However, Otago Blue was too strong for the Oamaru team on Saturday. North Otago No 1 Michael Ormandy was his side's only winner, beating Tyrone Ratahi 4 and 3.
Otago Blue No 3 Brandon Hodgson put the icing on the cake by winning two of the last three holes to beat North Otago greenkeeper Gary Creedy on the final green.
Otago Gold put up little resistance on the Corstorphine course, as St Clair gained four decisive wins, only two matches going the full distance.
At No 5 for St Clair, Andrew Hobbs won the final hole with a par to beat Kris Rush while at No 2 John McIntee held St Clair's Chris Snow to a half.
St Clair yesterday clinched second and a home semifinal by beating Chisholm Park 4-2.
