Southern extended its unbeaten streak with a scratchy win against Green Island at Bathgate Park.
While a 22-point margin looks comfortable enough, Green Island made a lot of play in the open 50min and could have been in front at halftime had it not been for some poor goal kicking.
Halfback Dean Moeahu had a solid service game but missed two very kickable penalty shots, and fullback Jesse Toto missed an attempt from in front just before the break.
Southern winger Greg Zampach opened the scoring when he finished a move started by impressive blindside flanker Sam Crompton. Green Island replied almost immediately with prop Frankie Elisara crashing over after second five-eighth Sam Eriepa broke the line and got a delightful pass around a would-be-tackler.
Both tries went unconverted but Southern led courtesy of Hamish Buick's wobbly penalty goal.
It took a magical team try for Southern to burst into life. Crompton set off on another charge and first five-eighth Julius Glasson kept the movement going with a superb chip, adept regather and classy offload. The ball went through several sets of hands before Crompton was back in possession. He beat two tacklers and dotted down under the posts.
With that, Green Island's challenge faded and Southern ran in another two tries.
- Southern 27 (Harry Uffindell, Greg Zampach, Sam Crompton, Warren Moffat tries; Hamish Buick 2 con, pen), Green Island 5 (Frankie Elisara try). Halftime:8-5. Referee: Hamish Davies.