Otago ensured an all-South Island final for the first time since 2002 after Canterbury swept past Bay of Plenty 58-42 earlier to seal their spot. Otago have not won a final since 1998.

Otago have shown improved form over the latter stages of the round robin, turning around an earlier 18-goal loss over today’s rivals with a compelling second half. With the scores tied at 25-all after a tight first half, former Silver Fern Jodi Brown took control on attack for Otago.

Making much of the play, Brown expertly opened up the spaces to create growing opportunities for her shooting partner Te Paea Selby-Rickit. The tall young shooter grew in stature and confidence the longer the game continued, going on to return the excellent figures of 52 goals from 55 attempts.

Wellington had few answers to shutting down the dominant shooting duo while struggling to convert at their own end against the taller defensive pairing of Louise Thayer and Greir Campbell.

``It’s a fantastic win and we’re absolutely stoked,’’ Otago captain Jaimee Power said.

``We have improved and it’s awesome to be peaking at this stage of the tournament. It’s been a long time between drinks for us and Canterbury will be an awesome competitor, we know what they’re capable of, but bring it on.’’

Canterbury v Bay of Plenty Gold

Canterbury, with a starting seven of ANZ Championship players, had too much firepower, eventually running away with a comprehensive win over Bay of Plenty.

Bay of Plenty hung on gamely though a competitive first half but struggled to breach the defensive wall of Canterbury captain Anna Galvan and Charlotte Kight.

Canterbury produced slick passages of play through court but failed to convert their numerous opportunities under the hoop after enjoying 17 more attempts than Bay of Plenty.

Under constant pressure, goalshoot Arahi Wall had a solid outing for the Bay to return 26 goals from 32 attempts.

Wellington and Bay of Plenty will play-off for third.

Trust Waikato v Western

Waikato sealed top spot in Division two with a 55-50 win over previously unbeaten Western and a date with sixth-placed Southland tomorrow where a place in next year’s top ranks is at stake. Western will also get a crack at the top division when they meet the fifth-placed Auckland Waitakere.

After a drawn first quarter, Waikato held a narrow margin throughout before easing away in the second half. Centre Elias Shadrock proved a pivotal figure for Waikato, her speedy dabs through the midcourt and athletic coverage on defence being a constant thorn for Western.

She was well supported by the in-circle defensive pairing of Jess Tuki and Stephanie Fowlie, who managed limit the dangerous shooting threat posed by Chantelle Ngaia and Amber Bellringer.

Western made too many turnovers throughout the match, giving Waikato a superior share of the ball which they took full advantage of despite the best efforts of industrious defender Erika Burgess.

``They beat us in round robin by one and that was really heart-wrenching so we just wanted to come out and make amends,’’ Waikato co-captain Tuki said.

``We just wanted to be in the position to take on that bottom team from the top division and it’s good that we’ve been able to do that.’’

Auckland Waitakere v Ascot Park Hotel Southland

Auckland Waitakere’s youthful team repeated their efforts of yesterday with a 51-46 win over Southland, the pair still destined to fight for their places in next year’s Division one competition after finishing in the bottom two of this year’s competition.

Today’s game panned out in similar fashion to the first encounter, Southland making an efficient opening before Auckland Waitakere rebounded to remain in the frame.

With the teams level at the end of the first quarter, Southland held a slim two-goal halftime advantage but a strong finish ensured Auckland Waitakere were still well in contention.

The second half produced a close scrap, both teams guilty of wasting opportunities under the hoop but the introduction of goal defence Amy Harte in the final quarter was pivotal to Auckland Waitakere’s fortunes.

Harte formed an influential defensive competition with Tuaine Keenan as Auckland Waitakere ground their way to just their second win of the competition.

``We knew they would come out strong again today so we had to make sure we weren’t complacent and we’re happy to come out with a second win against them,’’ Auckland Waitakere captain Rachel Rasmussen said.

``Going in to tomorrow’s promotion/relegation having got that better draw the win provided is certainly a good confidence booster.’’

North v Plus Rehab Eastern

Captain and goal defence Jessica Moulds played a strong hand in North’s 69-27 win over Eastern with five clean intercepts and four deflections. She was well supported by shooter Carli Botes, who made the most of her first half opportunities by slotting 25 goals from 27 attempts.

North built steadily throughout the match for quarter scores of 18-10, 36-16 and 51-25 finishing with a flourish to restrict Eastern to just two goals.

PIC Insurance Brokers Counties Manukau v Air New Zealand Tasman

North will meet Counties Manukau, who accounted for Tasman 55-32 today, in the play-off for third. With a more consistent supply of ball, Counties Manukau were able to increase their winning margin as the game progressed through solid returns from shooters Caitlin Riedstra, Dannielle Steffany, Ashleigh Timoko and Merilyn Nordin.

Co-captain Megan Adler was also a strong performer on defence, her three intercepts, five deflections and a clean turnover sheet providing a handy contribution.