Glenn Dickson's kicking and tactical nous were key ingredients in Pirates' well-merited win over Alhambra-Union at the North Ground.
Dickson kicked five goals from seven attempts and his accurate punting kept his forwards on the front foot and caused numerous problems for the Alhambra-Union back three.
And it was a glorious break by Dickson which set up the first of two tries for the outstanding centre, Marshall Suckling.
Suckling scored the second entirely on his own when he beat his man on the outside and stepped inside two other defenders on his way to the posts.
It was anyone's game when Alhambra-Union led 19-14 at half-time but Pirates played the percentages in the second spell, which it dominated 13-3, after its forwards gained the ascendancy and Dickson continued to kick the goals.
In contrast, Alhambra-Union kicked only three goals from seven and lost momentum after its backs - centre Karne Hesketh, fullback Peter Breen and second five-eighth Luke Reihana - had scored three fine tries in the first half.
The Pirates pack beavered away admirably.
Warren Kearney was excellent from No 8, Nic Wilson and Anthony Teaupa were solid locks and the experienced front row of Daniel Johnson, Craig Stanaway and Shane Parata had a slight edge over its opponents.
There were some good individual skills from Breen, Hesketh, Reihana and Jone Paumau in the Alhambra-Union backs but they had less of an influence in the second spell as their forwards struggled to secure enough quality possession.
Cowan Finch was a hard worker at lock and Dane Maraki showed good ball skills at loose-head prop.
Pirates 27 (Marshall Suckling, 2, Shawn McCarroll tries, Glenn Dickson 3 conversions, 2 penalty goals); Alhambra-Union 22 (Karne Hesketh, Peter Breen, Luke Reihana tries, Reihana conversion, Breen conversion, penalty goal).
Half-time: 19-14.
Referee: Dave Kennedy.
