Otago had a mixed day with a win and a loss on the second day of the men's Toro interprovincial on the Mangawhai course in Northland yesterday.
The team's chance of making the playoffs took a severe blow in the morning, going down to Taranaki by a 2 to 3 margin.
But in the afternoon it posted a convincing 4 to 1 win over a strong Southland quintet to get its quest for a title back on track.
Southland has under-achieved this week, sustaining its third loss, and now has no chance of finishing in the top two in division two.
However, Otago must be wary and might not be able to take another loss if it is to ensure a semifinal berth.
The team will play Poverty Bay-East Coast this morning in the only round being played today, and it is crucial not only to win but amass a high game tally in case of a countback.
Yesterday morning No5 Chris Snow got off to a flier, turning three up on Taranaki's Monte Burmester to eventually win 6 and 5.
Otago No1 Fraser MacLachlan always had the measure of Taranaki's Andrew Searle winning with three holes to spare.
But Duncan Croudis (No3) and Michael Smith (No4) both trailed all the way, losing their games to make it 2-all.
Otago's chances looked rosy when No2 Brandon Hodgson turned four up but he lost four of the next five holes to Fletcher Broderick and lost the contest on the 17th green.
In the afternoon, Otago led Southland in three of the five games at the turn with Croudis square and Hodgson three light.
Southland No2 Matt Tautari was too strong for Hodgson, while MacLachlan and Smith posted good wins.
Croudis came from behind to beat Liam Balneaves on the penultimate green while Snow again anchored the team with his third win.
