The accurate goal-kicking of Luke Reihana helped Alhambra-Union beat Dunedin in a tight game at Kettle Park.
He kicked five goals to score 14 of his side's points in a game that was in the balance until the final whistle.
Alhambra-Union's 9-7 lead at the break was against the run of play because Dunedin held all the territory and its strong front row of David Smart, Will Henry and Kelsey Miller got the better of Alhambra-Union.
But Dunedin missed goal-kicking opportunities and did not play to its strong midfield of Michael Walding and Simon Davey.
Dunedin's first-half try came from a lucky bounce from a kick by halfback Robbie Smith that bounced into the hands of fullback Louis Tili, who passed to flanker Sam Green for the try.
Dunedin players ran into the collision area where they met a formidable resistance in Alhambra-Union loose forwards Matt Kissick and Wahari Waitohi.
Alhambra-Union had its best quarter after the break when it extended the lead to 19-10.
Lock Scott Stevens won good line-out ball and hooker Ben Pereira was having a tigerish game in the tight-loose.
Dunedin came back into the game when No 8 Joe Dobson scored, but it ran out of time to chase the win.
Alhambra-Union 19 (Ben Pereira try; Luke Reihana conversion, 4 penalty goals), Dunedin 17 (Joe Dobson, Sam Green tries; Louis Tili conversion, Shaan Davis conversion, penalty goal).
Halftime: Alhambra-Union 9-7.
Referee: Ross Barnett.
