The Dogs recorded a comprehensive 7-3 win against Central, while the Storm slumped to its sixth consecutive loss, losing 5-0 to Central.
Black Sticks striker Hugo Inglis grabbed two quick goals in the second quarter, but it was a three-goal surge midway through the third period which sealed the result for the Dogs, coach Dave Ross said.
''We went into halftime 3-1 up and I said to the boys,`whoever scores next will probably win the game'.
''But in that third quarter we blew them away with three goals in about seven minutes. The boys just ran right over the top of them.''
It was the Dogs' third consecutive win and it keeps the team's semifinal prospects alive. They have a tough match against Auckland today to conclude the round-robin phase.
''The competition is really, really tight. There are about five teams within about four or so points of each other.
''From our point of view, we probably need a minimum of a draw [against Auckland]. If we lose, I'm not sure what will happen.''
For the Storm it was a case of another day, another big loss.
The team has conceded 32 goals while scoring just five. The 5-0 loss to Central in Whangarei yesterday leaves the team well entrenched at the bottom of the standings.
Black Stick Michaela Curtis opened the scoring in the ninth minute and scored her second in the fourth quarter.
Pippa Norman, Kayla Whitelock and Rebecca Herbert also registered goals.
The Southerners trailed 2-0 at halftime but the team has laboured in the second half of games and gave up a further three goals.
''I don't think it is our fitness... just our inability to hold on to the ball late in the game,'' coach Rod Rzepecky said.
''I think they [the late goals] are coming because we are trying to have a go and we are just turning it over, or trying to play at an intensity level we just can't sustain.''
The Storm has one pool match remaining against Auckland today. If it is going to salvage anything from its campaign, it will have to be in the bottom four playoff matches which get under way on Saturday.
''We want to step up for those games and make sure we do give a good account of ourselves. We have got better. It is just sometimes the results aren't really showing it.''
