Taieri regrouped after halftime to shut down a rampant Green Island to then win the battle of Saddle Hill 23-10 at Peter Johnstone Park.
Taieri capitalised on defensive lapses to run in two tries in the opening 15min but, from then on, the first half belonged to Green Island as it too crossed for two tries, and dominated territory and possession.
In the second half, Taieri was right back in the hunt, reignited into action with some superb play at first five-eighth by Hayden Parker. His towering box kicks and nudges into the corners, along with his running game, maintained Taieri's territorial advantage. He quickly rediscovered his goal-kicking ability with two penalties and a converted try in the third quarter.
Jamie Waller was outstanding in his 50th premier game for Green Island, taking eight clean lineout takes and featuring prominently in both broken and set play. He as well supported by fellow forwards Josh Beer, Mika Mafi Jason Bint and Guy Archibald. In the backs, Titapu Lewington was solid in defence.
But with Taieri rediscovering its game in the second half, the forward pack came into its own ably led by captain Charlie O'Connell and fellow loose forwards Nathan Young and Logan O'Connell.
- Taieri 23 (Ben Nowell, James Kenny, Hayden Parker tries; Hayden Parker 1 con, 2 pen), Green Island 15 (Roma Sauileoge, Guy Archibald tries; Dean Moeahu 1 con, 1 pen). Halftime 15-10 Green Island. Referee: Liam Scanlon.