KEY POINTS:
Auckland teams go into today's National Hockey League finals chasing a double-double.
With both their men and women winning through to the finale of the 10-day tournament, the Aucklanders have the chance to match their 2001 effort in winning both titles.
Even before a ball was hit at Lloyd Elsmore Park in final pool matches yesterday, the Auckland men were assured of their place in this afternoon's final. The only question was who the opposition would be.
Midlands swamped Northland 6-1, led by three goals from Australian international David Guest and two from the impressive Raynesh Smith. Midlands were ahead 4-0 at halftime.
They then had to hope Canterbury could upset North Harbour or at least hold them to a draw in the match of the day.
Canterbury and Harbour drew 1-all and will now meet again this morning in the bronze play-off.
The situation was reversed in the women's scramble for play-off spots.
Auckland played their trump card when, late in the game and locked 2-2 with Northland and in danger coach Tina Bell-Kake gambled on taking off Australian goalkeeper De-Anne Gilbert and playing with 11 field players.
Honor Dillon, back in the fray after a spell in the bin, snatching the 68th minute winner.
Midlands then went into their game with under-performing Canterbury aware a win would secure their spot in the final. Early in the second half the southerners were 3-1 ahead before late goals produced a 4-2 win to Canterbury.
Midlands was hoping North Harbour would stumble against the under-performing Wellingtonians. They didn't.
A goal in each half scored by Kushla Glauser and Amanda Green got Harbour home 2-0 and into the final where they will chase a second NHL title, two years after their first.
defending champions Wellington will play winless Southern (who held Central to 2-1 yesterday) for seventh place while Auckland, last a year ago, play for the big prize this time.
