Chris Noakes' class and tactical nous were critical ingredients in University A retaining its unbeaten record with a deserved but flattering margin over Alhambra-Union at Carisbrook.
University scored three tries to one in gaining its sixth consecutive win, two in the second spell by left winger Hamish Johnstone after accurate kicks into space behind the opposition backs by Noakes.
Johnstone scored at the start and end of the second half but, in between, Alhambra-Union spent much of the time attacking inside the University A 22 and was denied by wrong options, by its reluctance to move the ball wide and by stout student defence.
Noakes had a big influence on the match.
He did some sterling work on cover defence and made one lovely break which almost yielded a try, and a decent season with Otago this year will surely earn him a Highlanders contract.
Hooker Wyatt McKay scored University A's first try when he drove over from a ruck after constant pressure, lock Albie Herron gained quality line-out ball and No 8 Brad Cameron and blindside flanker Hoani Matenga both showed out in patches.
Fullback Peter Breen scored Alhambra-Union's only try when he won the race to his own chip-through and he had a solid all-round match.
Midfielder Luke Reihana was an elusive runner but the backs were too individualistic.
There could be few complaints about the forward effort, from livewire prop Dane Maraki to captain and openside flanker Matt Clutterbuck.
Locks Cowan Finch and Michael Patillo and blindside flanker Waharai Waitohi also produced solid grafting efforts and the forwards must have wondered how they ended the match without even a bonus point to show for their work.
University A 23 (Hamish Johnstone 2, Wyatt McKay tries; Chris Noakes conversion, 2 penalty goals), Alhambra-Union 10 (Peter Breen try, conversion, penalty goal).
Half-time: University A 13-10.
Referee: Jeff Grubb.
University A 23
Alhambra-Union 10
