Southern stuck to a predictable but ultimately successful game plan to beat University 29-25 at Bathgate Park today.
The Magpies used the big blokes in the forward pack to crash it up. University went the other way and spun the ball wide at every opportunity.
Either side could have won what was a high-quality match but a late try to mercurial fullback Mackenzie Haugh helped seal the win.
In the other games, Harbour rocked Dunedin to win 47-27 at Watson Park, Taieri held off Alhambra-Union 28-21 at the North Ground and Green Island beat Zingari-Richmond 28-6 at Miller Park.