Nelson ensured they won a mental battle or two or Marist ahead of the senior rugby playoffs with a 25-21 win over Marist at Trefalgar Park today.
Despite trailing 14-6 at halftime, Nelson controlled the second half well and Marist suffered some potentially serious injuries.
The two teams are likely to meet in the semi-finals, with Wanderers having already secured top spot with a week to go.
Wanderers accounted for Stoke 32-15 while Waimea Old Boys earned a heartening 26-23 win over Kahurangi.
In division two action; Huia trounced Waimea Old Boys 27-3, Stoke beat Wanderers 26-24, Takaka downed Tapawera/Murchison 45-29, Marist beat Nelson 27-17 and Collingwood thumped Rangers 43-7.