No fewer than five centrebacks were missing at Tonga Park on Saturday - four from University - and Caversham capitalised on this by cruising to a 5-0 win.
University coach Darren Hart was left scratching his head before the match as he mused over how to replace centrebacks Tom Emlinson, Cory Glover, Matt Ward and Jim Shepherd - and fullback Warkina Tujuba.
Home side Caversham was missing centreback Jude Fitzpatrick and also defender Sam Cosgrave, whom coach Tim Horner decided to replace with himself.
Horner's inclusion was seamless as he combined with captain Rhys Henderson, but Varsity's shape was never convincing and it made a horror start.
The students' defence resembled a debating society after referee Calvin Berg awarded Caversham an innocuous free kick in the second minute.
The home side took it quickly and, while University was organising its defence, sharp passing from Andrew Ridden to Sam Collier set up Michael Hoggan for the game's first goal.
The students rallied early.
Henry Flood tested Caversham goalkeeper Liam Little with a decent shot and Chris Kessell was industrious in midfield.
But Caversham's passing game unhinged Varsity and, after a snorting run by Ridden, the visitors made it 2-0 in the 20th minute.
Hoggan scored again at the 30-minute mark and the eventual 5-0 win cemented Caversham at the top of the table.
At Ellis Park, Roslyn-Wakari beat Northern 2-0 courtesy of first-half goals from Ben O'Farrell and Tennessee Kinghorn.
Three splendid saves from goalkeeper Tom Stevens staved off a Northern revival in the second half.
Greg Furlow, Sean van Dyke and Adam Harris stood out for Northern, while Stevens and Isaac Nicholson were best for Roslyn-Wakari.
At Memorial Park, Mosgiel's Cody Brook again played through injury and was rewarded with two goals as his side put away Green Island 2-0 and regained second place on the competition ladder.
● In the women's premier league competition, Dunedin Technical premier welcomed back Shontelle Smith from the US and beat Roslyn-Wakari 7-0 at Tahuna Park.
At Culling Park, competition leader University beat Dunedin Technical Maroon 7-1.
