Pirates held out the challenge from a rejuvenated University team to win its first Dunedin premier women's banner for 21 years at Hancock Park today.
Pirates last won the banner in 1990, the first year that the women's competition was held.
The win was a triumph for Pirates hooker Cherie Jackson who was also in the Pirates winning team 21 years ago.
Pirates won the final 27-19 thanks to a late try.
A determined University side lifted its game with Black Fern prop Beth Mallard and captain and flanker Sam Stewart leading the way.
Pirates captain Ainslie Johnston steadied the ship when the students looked threatening with her skilled play at first five-eighth.
