University-Albion A will take bragging rights into the Dunedin premier club semifinals after beating Southern A 55-44 on Saturday.
The sides meet again in the major semifinal this weekend, with the winner progressing straight to the final.
The loser will play the winner of this week's University-Albion B-Phys Ed A semifinal, while Southern B and Phys Ed B will play off for fifth and sixth.
It looks as though Phys Ed A may have finally settled on its starting line-up after a convincing 55-36 win over Southern B on Saturday.
Southern B started the stronger of the two teams, caught Phys Ed off guard and took an early lead.
However, Phys Ed did not let Southern cement this advantage and by the first-quarter break was leading 16-11.
The teams decided on different styles of play.
Phys Ed had players driving on to flat passes thrown into space, typified by the effective attacking play of Kate Parsons at wing attack.
She often found herself in open space with a clear drive to the top of the circle.
Southern opted to lob balls down court, often following these with other lobs into Stephanie Brenssell at goal shoot.
Phys Ed was quick on to any misdirected Southern passes and extended its lead to 30-21 at half-time.
Southern newcomer Teuli Fauti showed great promise at goal keep, coming away with valuable ball that she pinched from the attack play of Phys Ed.
By three-quarter time, Phys Ed was leading 44-30, and it won the final quarter 11-6 to seal a comfortable win.
In the battle of the B teams, University-Albion B proved too strong for Phys Ed B in a convincing 55-33 win.
University-Albion looked the better side as Phys Ed B failed to fire on attack, often leaving the hard-working circle defenders unrewarded for their solid play.
University-Albion B must be pleased with its performance in Premier A and will be feeling more confident than Phys Ed B going into the semifinals.
