University caused a major upset when it beat the previously undefeated South Pacific Raiders 60-28 in a high-scoring encounter at the Kensington Oval on Saturday.
It outplayed the Raiders in a 11-tries-to-five victory, putting together 80 minutes of solid league, something it has been threatening to do all season.
University captain second rower Tom Bywater had a storming game, leading from the front with some strong hit-ups, big tackles and a personal points tally of 20.
He scored the first try for his side and successfully kicked eight out of 11 conversion attempts.
After the game, Bywater put his team's good performance down to his side wanting to put pride back in the jersey.
"They are a formidable opponent and we really wanted to stick at it," he said.
University coach Ray Fitiao said he was impressed with how his side stood up and took it to the Raiders.
"We made minimal mistakes, stuck to our game plan and I thought our key players really stood up today," he said.
Fitiao had special praise for his loose forward combination of second-rowers Arden Roberts, Bywater and lock Tyler Schreurs, as well as hooker Tom Ellery.
Raiders Coach Dave Reedy offered no excuses, saying his team was outplayed and beaten by a better side.
University started the game strongly, running out to a 44-6 lead at halftime.
It played a fast-paced game that was too hot for the Raiders to handle.
University's forwards dominated, with Bywater, Roberts and Schreurs making some nice line breaks and getting over the advantage line well.
This allowed their dummy half runners to make some quick darts and catch the Raiders on the hop.
None was more impressive than Ellery. His twinkle-toed stepping was a constant thorn in the Raiders' side.
The second half started with two quick tries to Raiders second rower Logan McGregor and prop Ron Muliau.
The University sideline started to get nervous, given that it had blown healthy leads in previous games.
But its nerve held, it showed good composure and shut the game out with three second-half tries to centre Sean Parfott, second rower Jaydin Ladkin and prop Dave Hadcroft.
The Raiders were good in patches with hooker Simon Fuatavi, lock Ben Dickson and centre Jermaine Stone trying hard all game.
The Harbour Seals defaulted their game with Kia Toa Tigers, due to player work commitments.
