Auckland overcame conceding three quick goals before halftime yesterday to beat a tough Southern side 5-3 and go joint top of the national hockey league table.
The catch-up game - postponed last Sunday due to heavy rain - puts the defending champions in good shape for Friday's semifinals, although they have two awkward matches remaining in round robin play at the Challenge Shield, against Canterbury, who share top place, and Capital.
"I think this was a step up," international attacker Jared Panchia, who scored twice, said last night. "We have been improving as the tournament goes on, but every game is important from now on. There's no point playing your best hockey at the start, but getting in the semifinals is the main thing."
England international Simon Egerton, fellow import Tom Wickham and Sam Miskimmin scored one each, while Brent Garske, with two, and Hugo Inglis got Southern's goals.
Auckland, ahead by a solitary one goal on differential, play Canterbury in the clutch game today at North Harbour.
