A tense 3-2 win over pace-setters Auckland catapulted Capital to the top of the men's points table and, on paper at least, the easier task in tomorrow's semifinals of the National Hockey League at Lloyd Elsmore Park.
Capital went into the last of the round-robin games a point back from
Auckland but with goals from Jason Hilton, Matt L'Huillier, Jacob Smith snatched the points after leading 2-1 at halftime. Capital will now face Southern in the semifinals while Auckland will be up against North Harbour in the earlier clash between the second and third-placed teams.
North Harbour, after a slow start and picking up only one of eight possible points in their first two outings, won yesterday's must win game over Canterbury 4-0 to seal their place and Southern, who beat Northland 2-1 got through on the countback having beaten Midlands in pool play.
North Harbour, who scored twice in each half with veteran Dave Kosoof leading the charge with a brace, will take the psychological advantage into the game against Auckland after beating them 3-0 earlier in the tournament.
Central, who shared the spoils with Auckland a year ago when the final was cut short by shocking weather, were well off the pace after losing to Midlands 4-2 in bitter conditions yesterday.
