Kaikorai consolidated its spot at the top of the standings with a hard-fought 27-20 win against Green Island at an icy Miller Park yesterday.
The Demons moved to 45 competition points and enjoy an eight-point buffer at the top.
But the Grizzlies (20 points) contributed to what was a cracking game.
They led 15-10 at the break. Fullback Finn Hurley created chaos for the defence every time he handled the ball.
He also popped into first receiver a lot and used his kicking game to keep the home side at the right end of the field of darkness — a venue the sun ignores for most of winter.
Green Island dominated the early exchanges and was rewarded when first five Caleb Williams slipped a pass to centre Riley Lucas who powered his way across the line.
Kaikorai responded through halfback Charlie Marsh. He was on hand to take the pass from centre Mefiposeti Tupou, who had busted a couple of tackles.
But Green Island snatched back the lead through a penalty to Hurley and a try late in the half to Delaney McKenzie saw the Grizzlies go into the shed up 15-10.
Kaikorai flexed its muscle in the second spell. Tries to impressive lock Oscar Graham and hooker Michael Strydom saw it pull ahead again.
But midway through the half Hurley made another break and Green Island shovelled it quickly to the left where winger Inoke Naivalulevu was waiting. He pulled out a marvelous dive to get across in the corner which cut the lead to 22-20.
Kaikorai replied almost immediately. Winger Nico Bowering and Jordan McEntee teamed up on the left flank. Bower got clear and scampered 30-odd metres before passing infield to McEntee, who skipped through a tackle and sprinted away to score.
That proved to be the winner.
At the North Ground, Zingari-Richmond (9 points) used its big pack to overcome Alhambra-Union (4 points) 48-36 in a bottom-of-the-table clash.It was not a high-quality fixture by any measure. There were lots of errors.
But whenever the Colours got close to the line they found a big body to crash over. Prop Israel Otunuku barged over for three of them in a powerhouse performance.
Highlanders winger Jona Nareki nabbed two tries for AU. He made some classy touches but also tried to do too much on occasion.
The defending champions Southern (36 points) were tipped up 30-29 by Harbour (22 points).
The Hawks have had a lot of close losses this season and desperately needed a win to shore up its playoff prospects.
Dunedin (34 points) defeated University (16 points) 32-22 at the University Oval in the other game.
The scores
Green Is. 20-27 Kaikorai
AU 36-48 Zingari
University 22-32 Dunedin
Southern 29-30 Harbour
