Tom Halse kicked a penalty in injury time to give University A a nail-biting win over Alhambra-Union at the North Ground.
It seemed Alhambra-Union might have clinched victory 10 minutes from the end when No 8 Adam Anker scored from a tighthead and Peter Breen converted from close to the sideline.
But outstanding No 8 Paul Grant made a long run to put the students back on to attack and, when Alhambra-Union infringed in its own 22, Halse kicked his fourth goal from six attempts, from almost in front.
It was a harsh outcome for Alhambra-Union, which had contributed so much to the match and whose scrum had been dominant.
University A did score two tries to one, halfback Sam McLernon scoring after a dart down the blindside and fullback Matt Faddes following a powerful run by Grant, which was supported by replacement halfback Sean Romans.
Guy Schwikkard, at second five-eighth, was the pick of the University A backs and Romans lifted the tempo when he came on for the second half.
Grant was the outstanding player on the field, lock Rob Verbakel showed some of the form which gained him Canterbury selection (apart from a stint in the sin bin) and Sam Sturgess was a lively hooker.
Hooker Liam Coltman made some storming runs for Alhambra-Union, Scott Manson was a powerful prop and lock Matt Kissick produced an 80-minute effort.
Breen kicked 14 points (five goals from six attempts) and controlled play well and centre Percy Stephens was a strong, hard runner and safe tackler. But there was little between the teams and Alhambra-Union could consider itself unfortunate not to gain at least a share of the spoils.
- University A 21 (Sam McLernon, Matt Faddes tries, Tom Halse con, 3 pens), Alhambra-Union 19 (Adam Anker try, Peter Breen con, 4 pens). Halftime: 10-9.