Andrew Reid scored 20 points to bring up 100 for the season and help secure victory for Taieri in a tight encounter at Bishopscourt.
Each team was guilty of committing handling errors but the Kaikorai forward pack battled throughout to remain competitive. Props Jim Stevenson and Blair Laughton were quick to the breakdown, complementing the work of flankers Lee Alan and Adam Hill.
The Taieri forward pack worked well both defensively and on attack, once again inspired by captain Charlie O'Connell at No 8 and some superb work around the field from flankers Nathan Young and Kurt Webster.
In a game where all four wingers scored, it came down to goal kicking, with Reid landing seven from 10 attempts and Tony Ensor just two from seven.
Ensor redeemed himself with two tries, one of which came from a kick-and-chase that started on his own 22m.
- Taieri 30 (Tom Davie, Rhys Collins tries; Andrew Reid con, 6 pen), Kaikorai 21 (Tony Ensor 2, Sam Cadogan tries; Ensor 2 pen). Halftime: Kaikorai 16-14. Referee: Michael Lash (Southland).