KEY POINTS:
The popularity basketball enjoys both nationally and internationally - rated by many as the second-biggest sport worldwide after soccer - continues to be reflected in the local premier championships, with both the boys' and girls' events again set to go to the wire.
Long-time rivals Westlake BHS and Rangitoto are separated by just two points with two rounds to play, with MAGS and Dilworth within striking distance four points back.
In a key game on Friday night, Rangitoto will have home court advantage when they play MAGS, while WBHS are away to Papakura in what promises to be another close game. AGS and KBHS, out of semifinal contention and locked together on 16 points, meet at Avondale College.
Rangitoto hold a handy five-point lead over Northcote in the girls' race and should hold, or increase, that lead when they travel to Papakura to play winless Manurewa.
Northcote face a more difficult assignment in playing AGGS, who go into the game just a point back and locked in third place with Massey.
Avondale kept their slim play-off hopes alive with their 65-57 win over the young, but developing, EGGS team in their catch-up game at the impressive AGS stadium on Monday night.
Coached by newcomer Kim Lucas, EGGS battled bravely but again were let down by their failure to play games out. They were kept in the game by some gutsy defence from Ajay Young and Nicole Beveridge but the more experienced Avondale side prevailed.
Netball
EGGS and MAGS continue to set the pace in the Auckland premier championship. After seven rounds they are separated only by goal difference with impressive unbeaten records.
With their hard-fought 39-34 win over traditional rivals AGGS on Saturday, EGGS were named the University of Auckland team of the week but needed a strong last quarter to do it.
Locked 30-30 after three quarters, EGGS triumphed on the back of some good shooting from their young goalshoot Bethan O'Brien, who capitalised on some strong defensive work and good work from the midcourt.
MAGS, winners of the midweek points tournament, also had to work hard before edging fifth-placed St Kentigern 38-35.
Rugby
Defending champions MAGS warmed up for Saturday's semifinal against traditional rivals King's with a hard-fought 18-17 away win over KBHS.
That win, in a game in which both teams scored two tries, left MAGS eight points clear of De La Salle at the top of the table. Last season De La Salle took the round-robin from MAGS before losing in the final.
De La Salle made certain of second place and the right to host the second semifinal, against surprise packet St Kentigern, with their 32-7 win over Tamaki after leading 17-0 following three early tries and 22-7 at halftime after touching down for a fourth try.
King's claimed the fourth semifinal spot with a battling 15-10 win over close neighbours Otahuhu. They now face the daunting trip to MAGS.
Sacred Heart, early contenders for the top four, lost their way at the last moment, falling short a try against St Peter's. Late-season losses to St Paul's and Tangaroa also took their toll.
St Kentigern ended the season on a high, beating AGS 11-10.
The winners of Saturday's semifinals will meet in the final at Eden Park as curtainraiser to the Auckland-Manawatu Air NZ Cup match.
At the other end of the table, Tangaroa and Otahuhu face an anxious wait before learning in what grade they will play next season.
As the bottom two teams in the 1A championship, they will go into play-offs at the start of next season with top 1B teams. The 1B final, also on August 23, is likely to be played at Bell Park.
Finals day for all other grades will be on August 30 at Sacred Heart College.
* www.asbcollegesport.co.nz
