Dynamic wing Karne Hesketh (Alhambra-Union) has scored the most tries with 11 and is followed by Siaosi Folau (Harbour) nine, Tumua Ioane (Dunedin) and Marshall Suckling (Pirates) eight, Wayne Gibson (Alhambra-Union) seven.
Flanker Sam Crompton grabbed the ball from a disrupted scrum at halfway and dashed 50m to give Southern a win over Alhambra-Union in wet conditions at the University Oval.
The game had entered a stalemate in the second half with the strong defences of both teams making it difficult to break the line and score tries.
Crompton's brilliant solo effort broke the deadlock and gave Southern a 10-point cushion with just 15 minutes left.
Alhambra-Union gained a bonus point late in the game when Luke Reihana kicked a penalty goal.
The skill of Crompton, and fellow loose forwards Cam Goodhue and Tom Preece, had a decisive influence on the game with their support play and strong tackling.
Tall lock Cowan Finch gave Alhambra-Union the edge in the line-out, but the scrums were even with props Dane Maraki (Alhambra-Union) and Warren Moffat (Southern) having strong games.
Alhambra-Union dominated possession and territory for the first 30 minutes with No 8 Mana Faraimo making strong runs with the ball in hand.
But the backline did not play sensible rugby in the wet and cold conditions and attempted to run from too far out instead of attacking from the Southern 22m.
Powerful Southern midfield back Luke Herden was strong on defence and difficult to stop on the burst.
Southern 10 (Sam Crompton try; Joe Burford conversion, penalty goal), Alhambra-Union 3 (Luke Reihana penalty goal).
Southern 3-0.
Referee: Doug Rodgers.
