The Broncos had more than their share of narrow losses last season and that hard luck has continued this year with frustrating defeats by Dunedin (24-22), University (34-29) and Southern (27-22).
It was tough opening to the season against three quality teams. And just when some relief seemed on offer with a winnable match against Green Island, the weather intervened and round five was cancelled.
It has left the club 11 points outside of the top four, in seventh place.
But coach Allan Wheeler is upbeat about how his side has been performing and is confident the team can climb the competition standings.
``I'm pretty excited, to be honest,'' he said.
``We've been in a position to win all three games and they have been against three of the top four sides.
``The losses have been heartbreaking. But it is a long season and, if we can be there or thereabouts at the end of the first round, we will be serious contenders during the second round of the season.''
The style of rugby it has played has been exhilarating.
Alhambra-Union has some twinkle-toed backs who are capable of finding gaps where there would normally be a solid defensive wall.
Fullback Jona Nareki has been a standout in that area.
His ability to change direction at pace has proven a challenge for all his opponents.
However, he will be missing for the next few rounds, because of New Zealand under-20 commitments.
But Poasa Cama is another fleet-footed player and in Junior Vitale Alhambra-Union has a burly centre who can straighten the attack and keep any drift defence honest.
First five-eighth Zach Porter has been a revelation since arriving at the club, while Ty Pelasio and Jacob Coghlan have stood out in the forward pack for their link play.
``We've got the ability to move the bigger packs around but also have the ability to front up when we need to,'' Wheeler said.
He felt it was inexperience more than anything else which had let his side down during the final quarter of its matches so far.
``We have a young side and for us it is just about closing out games.
``That is sort of what we have been working on for the last few weeks.
``I just think that will come with time. We should have won at least two of those games but as long as we are getting some good learnings out of each game, then that is the key point at this stage of the season.''
Alhambra-Union plays the defending champion Kaikorai at the North Ground tomorrow.
Kaikorai has one win from three games but has some help on the bench this week, with Highlanders hooker and co-captain Ash Dixon returning from a back complaint. Back-up Highlanders rake Adrian Smith will start.
The match of the round shapes up as that between Southern and University, at Logan Park. Both sides are unbeaten.
Zingari-Richmond hosts Harbour and Dunedin will head to Mosgiel to play Taieri in the other fixture.