Prop Scott Manson had a storming game as Alhambra-Union y broke down University A's resistance to gain a bonus-point win at the North Ground.
The students competed admirably in the first half, which ended 10-10, but Alhambra-Union dominated the second spell to win by four tries to one.
Alhambra-Union is now second with 30 points but University A has just two wins from its first eight games.
Manson was a dominant figure, not only at scrum time but in driving ahead, linking and tidying up loose ball, and he was at the heart of a strong display by the Alhambra-Union pack.
No 8 Regan Turoa had a busy game, captain Matt Kissick drove strongly and was effective in the lineouts, locks James Willocks and Jeremy McKee played well and Ben Pereira was a livewire hooker.
Kurt Baker was a mixture of good and not-so-good at first five-eighth in the absence of Peter Breen, Matt Dalley ran and supported well from centre and Tili Puloka ran strongly on the wing.
University A played some fine rugby in the first half but went in fits and starts in the second.
Paul Grant invariably breached the advantage line from No 8, Jack Wolfreys was a tigerish openside flanker and Paddy Ryan was an all-action hooker.
The backs created one lovely try for winger Sam McLernon but otherwise lacked rhythm.
Alhambra-Union 28 (Regan Turoa, Ben Pereira, Kurt Baker, Matt Dalley tries; Dalley con, 2 pen), University A 16 (Sam McLernon try; Stephen Fenemore con, 3 pen).
Halftime: 10-10.
