The strong Southern defence subdued the ferocious Zingari-Richmond attacks and paved the way for an 14-0 win at Bathgate Park.
Zingari dominated the first 25 minutes of the game through No 8 Steven Setephano and openside flanker Ryan Newman. The Zingari pack also had the advantage in the scrum with Jeremy Bekhuis and Mason Pomare having strong games in the front row.
They were both efficient on the drive and with the pick and go.
Halfback John Legg, the best of the Zingari backs, kept the ball in front of the forwards and this maintained the Zingari momentum.
But a change came over the game in the last 15 minutes of the first spell when two key Zingari backs, first five-eighth Matt Gordon and second five-eighth Ben Kent, were both sent to the sin bin.
Joe Burford kicked the two penalty goals awarded for the indiscretions and Southern used its two-man advantage to attack.
Fullback Apelu Apalati broke the defence to score the only try of the game to give Southern an 11-0 lead at the break.
Southern kept its domination for the first 20 minutes of the second spell and Hamish McKenzie added a dropped goal to stretch the lead to 14 points.
The inside pairing of Burford and Julius Glasson kept the advantage with Southern.
Zingari came back strongly during the last 20 minutes but was not able to bridge the Southern defence that was spearheaded by the loose trio of Cam Goodhue, Carl Anderson and Sam Crompton.
Southern 14 (Apelu Apalati try; Joe Burford 2 penalty goals, Hamish McKenzie dropped goal), Zingari-Richmond 0.
Half-time: 11-0.
Referee: Tim Baker.
