Green Island will be rueing the absence of an accurate goal-kicker after it allowed Taieri to stumble to a 14-12 victory at Miller Park and retain the Bezett Trophy and Robb Cup.
With both sides impressing with victories last weekend, the southern derby match promised much but delivered little.
Only Green Island's passion rose to any height, but its goal-kicking let it down with just one from seven attempts successful.
Despite it losing captain Jason Bint through injury in the first quarter, the forward pack gave a good account of itself, particularly through Mika Mafi in the loose and the front-rowers Josh Beer, Sam Smith and Frankie Elisara, who were tireless all game.
In the backs, Green Island showed guts in defence and a dangerous ability to counter-attack.
Taieri would have to be disappointed with its performance. After an early Mike Kerr try, the game became too loose.
It was kept within its own half for the better part of the game, it made a lottery of its lineout ball and all too often passes did not go to hand.
But nevertheless it came away with the spoils of victory and valuable competition points.
- Taieri 14 (Mike Kerr try; Andrew Reid 3 pen), Green Island 12 (Buxton Popoali'i 2 tries; Jesse Toto 1 con). Halftime: Taieri 8-7. Referee: Adam Morrison.