A dominant Alhambra-Union pack set the foundation for a comprehensive win over defending champion University A at the University Oval.
The Alhambra-Union forwards outscrummaged the students, won quality lineout ball and displayed good, low body positions in driving play.
Alhambra-Union scored four tries to three and was much the better and more cohesive team.
It was 3-0 just before halftime but Alhambra-Union scored three tries in the time University A lock Rob Verbakel was in the sin bin for a professional foul.
Alhambra-Union scored two tries from well-constructed rolling mauls from lineouts and left wing Ben Qauqau showed immense strength to crash through five tackles for another.
Prop Scott Manson had a rampaging game and formed a formidable front row with Liam Coltman and Corey Barrett, and Matt Kissock and Mitch Ewan were excellent locks.
Peter Breen had a tidy all-round game at first five-eighth which he capped with a dropped goal from 40m.
University A looked under-prepared and played accordingly. No 8 Paul Grant was prominent at times but as an individual.
The pick of the students was fullback Matt Faddes, who scored two tries, one a brilliant individual effort, and set up the third with an incisive break.
- Alhambra-Union 33 (Matt Dalley, Ben Qauqau, Ben Pereira 2, tries; Peter Breen 2 con, 2 pen, dropped goal), University A 17 (Matt Faddes 2, Will Eder tries; Faddes con). Halftime: Alhambra-Union 10-0.