Flanker Gareth Evans gave a dynamic display and was the catalyst for Dunedin's narrow win over Alhambra-Union at the North Ground.
Evans was quick to the breakdown, a demon tackler and was dangerous with the ball in hand.
He energised the loose trio that gave Dunedin the edge.
Alhambra-Union flew into the game from the start and Dunedin was shell shocked when wing Ben Qauqau scored after two minutes and Alhambra-Union led 7-0 playing into a strong breeze that was worth 10 points.
Dunedin clawed its way back into the game and evened the scores when halfback Robbie Smith scored after 22 minutes and took the lead 12-7 when Rawiri Tapiata scored late in the spell.
By this time the Dunedin scrum was dominant and took two tight heads late in the spell.
Kelsey Miller and Will Henry were having strong games in the front row.
This dominance continued in the second spell, and was only eased when Golden Oldie scrums were played in the last 20 minutes.
This kept Alhambra-Union in the game.
There was a hiccup for Dunedin midway through the spell when flanker Brad Rapley intercepted and ran 70m to give Alhambra-Union the lead, 17-15.
The Dunedin backline was energised when wing Tumua Ioane came on in the second spell and made the break that led to the winning try by Simon Luke who was up in support when Ioane was caught short of the line.
Dunedin 20 (Rawiri Tapiata, Robbie Smith, Simon Luke tries; Shaan Davis conversion, penalty goal), Alhambra-Union 17 (Scott Stevens, Brad Rapley tries; Luke Reihana 2 conversions, penalty goal).
Halftime: Dunedin 12-7.
Referee: Liam Scanlon.
