Loose forwards Josh Beer and Mika Mafi capitalised on some solid work from the tight five to lead Green Island to its first win over University A since 2002.
Weather and ground conditions at Miller Park were far from ideal, and players were virtually unrecognisable soon after kick-off.
The Green Island pack, with prop Andre Clarke leading the way, bullied and pushed the University A pack off the ball, particularly in the scrums.
Locks Brett Campbell and Jamie Waller were a class above the students at lineout time, while Mafi, Beer and Guy Archibald shone in the loose.
Of the Green Island backs, halfback Devin Stapley excelled, while further out, a threatening force awaited University A with Titapu Lewington and Hanipale Galo excelling.
A fourth consecutive loss will give the proud University club cause for concern, but its midfield of Tom Halse and Stephen Fenemore combined well with an accurate kicking game and tireless defence.
- Green Island 27 (Jesse Toto, Hanipale Galo, Josh Beer, Roma Sauileoge, Titapu Lewington tries; Sauileoge con), University A 6 (Tom Halse 2 pen). Halftime: Green Island 5-3. Referee: Dave Kennedy.