Dunedin dominated possession and territory and it was only the dogged Taieri defence that kept the score respectable at Kettle Park.
Dunedin played into the howling gale in the first spell and spent 15 minutes attacking inside the Taieri 22m.
Lock Michael Gurran dominated the line-out and was skilled in taking the ball in the air.
Prop Will Henry played a key role in giving Dunedin dominance in the scrum and he led the forward rushes in a pack that was skilled with the pick and go.
Dunedin led 10-3 at the break after fiery flanker Jon Crossan scored a try.
Crossan and No 8 Scott McKee made a lot of ground with the ball in hand.
But the Dunedin backs lacked the ability to finish movements and were guilty of a series of knock-ons and poor last passes.
A lot of credit must be given to the strong Taieri tackling that was epitomised by lock Callum Bisset, flanker Charlie O'Connell and halfback Jack Stewart that shut down the Dunedin attacking movements for most of the game.
Michael Witt kicked a 52m penalty goal for Taieri's points.
Dunedin 15 (Joe Bradley, Jon Crossan tries; Robbie Smith conversion, penalty goal), Taieri 3 (Michael Witt penalty goal).
Half-time: Dunedin 10-3.
Referee: Dave Kennedy.
