University-Albion A will take an unbeaten record into the Dunedin premier club semifinals after beating Southern A 57-45 in the final round at the Edgar Centre on Saturday.
The format for the semifinals and final mirrors that of the ANZ Championship, where the top-ranked team after round-robin matches (University-Albion) plays the second team (Southern), with the winner going straight into the final.
The loser will play the winner of the minor semifinal between the third-ranked (Phys Ed A) and fourth-ranked (College A) teams.
The loser of the game between Phys Ed Phedex and Southern B will be relegated to premier B, with the winner of that grade taking its spot in premier A.
It was the match between Phedex and Phys Ed A that proved critical for the play-off hopes of College A and Phys Ed A.
Phedex, a team known for using casual players on a regular basis, fielded what must be one of its weakest teams of the season.
This benefited its A team greatly, enabling it to post a vital 45-29 win to cement third place.
In a game that never really sparked, Phys Ed A led 23-16 at halftime and continued to extend its lead in the second half.
College A was taking no chances in its game against Southern B, posting a 66-42 winning margin.
College A worked hard as a team throughout the match.
Even when it had the game in hand it did not take its foot off the accelerator, an approach it will need during the playoffs.
