By Jeff McTainsh
Wellington have avoided the wooden spoon in the ITM Cup premiership, seeing off North Harbour 29 - 28 in Albany last night.
In this afternoon's action Waikato and Auckland were locked in a heavyweight battle, both sides pushing for a spot in next weeks final.
Waikato pipped Auckland for a spot in last years final and their title credentials were on show with some classic day time footy.
Gareth Anscombe kept Auckland in touch 14 - 9 at the break, before along came one of the more farcical calls of the season.
Stephen Donald yellow carded for dishing out some old fashioned rucking, even though the touch judge didn't see contact with a player’s head.
Auckland cashed in on the extra man, taking a five point lead.
Desperate defence held out Waikato's reply while the home side did themselves no favours out wide before a rested Stephen Donald had his revenge with a try.
Waikato looked to have blown their last chance to seal the crucial bonus point try and a finals spot before their two unwanted All Blacks dished up some mooloo magic.
Waikato walked away winners 26 - 19.
In their last 80 minutes of the season, Counties proved too strong for Northland in a mid table bash in Pukekohe.
Wellington moved clear of the foot of the ladder and consigned Southland to relegation to the championship with a tense 29 - 28 win over North Harbour.
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