Golf: Bay team unbeaten in charge towards semis

Tauranga's Sam Davis has helped unbeaten Bay of Plenty into a strong position at the Toro New Zealand Men's Interprovincial in Hamilton. Photo / File

Bay of Plenty and Manawatu-Wanganui are in ominous form heading into the final two rounds of the Toro New Zealand Men's Interprovincial at the Hamilton Golf Club.

The blue and golds, who have an enviable record in the event winning seven out of the past 11 years, beat Southland 3.5-1.5 yesterday to all but secure their place in the final four from division two.

The 2013 finalists have a perfect winning record after five rounds and will face Canterbury and Otago today as they look to finish the top of division two.

Bay of Plenty's Hayden Beard, who defeated Southland's Scott Hellier 2 and 1, said St Andrews was a great place to hold the event and his team was enjoying the challenge.

"It is demanding down the stretch so we are just taking each match as it comes and if, at the end of the week, we are in the finals then we will approach it the same way we have in the earlier rounds."

While the Bay kept on winning, one of the talking points was on the other side of the draw as Auckland upset Wellington.

The team from the capital, who had a perfect winning record heading into yesterday's clash, lost by 3-2 at a crucial stage of the championship.

Tasman's dream of winning the event faded when they were also upset by Hawke's Bay (3-2) in round five.

While Wellington and Tasman lost their way, Otago also lost some of their momentum. Otago have a tough final day when they face hosts Waikato and then Bay of Plenty with those matches going to decide the semifinalists from Division Two.

Defending champions Manawatu-Wanganui, who were held by Northland to a half in round four, also remained undefeated when they overcame North Harbour 4-1.

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Toro NZ Men's Interprovincial

Leaderboard after Round 5: Division 1: 3.5 (team wins) 15 (individual wins) Manawatu Wanganui, 3 16 Wellington, 3 13 Northland, 2.5 11.5 Auckland, 2 10 Tasman, 2 10 North Harbour, 1 5.5 Hawke's Bay, 0 4 Poverty Bay East Coast; Division 2: 4 14.5 Bay of Plenty, 3.5 15 Otago, 3 11.5 Waikato, 2.5 10 Canterbury, 1 8.5 Southland, 0.5 9 Aorangi, 0.5 6.5 Taranak