The sublime skills of Ben Smith at first five-eighth helped guide Green Island to victory over Taieri at Miller Park.
Smith was joined by Highlanders team-mate Hayden Triggs and the pair had a big influence on their side as it celebrated its 125th jubilee with a derby win.
Playing into a strong wind in the first half, Green Island played the percentages well, mainly through its forward pack and the tactical attributes of Smith, leading to tries to Tino Elisara and Triggs.
In a game where strong defence and poor option taking featured, it was not until the final 12min that Taieri cut loose with two tries in quick succession to close the game up and make for a thrilling final five minutes.
Smith, loose forwards Jason Bint, Frankie Elisara and Brendan Hamilton, prop Stewart Maguire and lock Jonathan Griffin featured strongly for Green Island.
Outstanding openside flanker Jeremy Corliss featured prominently for Taieri, with fellow loose forwards Eric Vaafusuaga and Charlie O'Connell also playing with commitment.
Green Island 20 (Tino Elisara, Hayden Triggs, Shane Waldron tries; Elisara conversion, Shannon Young penalty goal), Taieri 14 (Jeremy Corliss, Mike Kerr tries; Michael Witt 2 conversions).
Half-time: Green Island 12-0.
Referee: Doug Rodgers.
