The rampaging Kaikorai No 8 Kensak Palepoi scored two tries and played a key role in the 19-9 win over Taieri at Peter Johnstone Park.
Taieri had dominated possession and territory in the first half but had not been able to break the Kaikorai defensive line.
But two penalty goals by first five-eighth Ricky Stewart gave Taieri a 6-0 lead.
But in a rare foray into the Taieri 22m lock Seko Qaraniqio drove ahead from a ruck and passed the ball back to Palepoi who used his strength to score the try and give Kaikorai a 7-6 lead at the break.
Stewart kicked his third penalty goal after 10 minutes in the second spell and Taieri held on to its advantage for another 20 minutes until Palepoi struck again.
His bullocking drive from the line-out broke the defence and Kaikorai was in front 12-9.
Kaikorai clinched the win in the final minute when midfield back Matt Direen split the defence to score Kaikorai's third try.
The Taieri loose trio of Erik Vaafusuaga, Jeremy Corliss and Charlie O'Connell were a strong defensive unit and lively with the ball in hand.
Lock Callum Bisset did his job in the line-out and loosehead prop Dean Collins was a strong scrummager.
Kaikorai 19 (Matt Direen, Kensak Palepoi 2 tries; Willie Lawson 2 conversions), Taieri 9 (Ricky Stewart 3 penalty goals).
Half-time: 7-6.
Referee: Todd Pullar.
