Lincoln University are one win away from back-to-back Christchurch Netball Centre premier titles.

Lincoln beat closest rivals St Nicholas 59-53 this week to take the top spot and move straight to the final, while St Nics will now need to beat Kereru A if they are to get another shot at Lincoln.

Kereru A beat Halswell 59-40 while their B side finished the season with another draw.

Kereru B's 56-56 deadlock with Hearts marks an impressive season.

Since being promoted after the first round, they've recorded a win and two draws - a better return than most recently promoted sides.

The draw moves Kereru B ahead of Halswell on the premier ladder, into fifth and Hearts made them work the whole way for their points.

The fact Hearts shooter Sarah Hayman landed all 35 of her 35 shots yet Kereru B were able to stay with them shows just how gutsy the side have been all season.

While Hayman was perfect, Kereru B's Trina Nu'u wasn't far off.

She shot at 92 per cent but by threequarter time her side was down by five.

They caught up that deficit easily and the sides battled to a tough draw.

Lincoln gained a psychological edge, should they meet St Nics in the final, with their six-goal win. St Nics got within two in the final quarter but Lincoln, who put up 14 more shots than their opponents, deserved their win and break before the final.

Kereru A will go into their semifinal with St Nics as underdogs, but they have the ability to cause a boilover.

They played well in their 59-40 win over Halswell, but there was still room for improvement.

- © Fairfax NZ News