Centre Brett Mather made a significant contribution to University A's four-try 23-0 win over Taieri at the University Oval.
He was strong on his feet and was able to make the half-gap to set up two tries.
The students dealt with the conditions better than Taieri and the handling by backs and forwards was superb.
University scored three tries in the first spell to lead 18-0 at the break.
The tries by wings Ryan Grant and David Thompson, after 10 and 20 minutes, came because of missed tackles by the Taieri backs.
The student pack was a tight unit and made ground with the pick-and-go.
Flanker Hoani Matenga and Albie Herron were lively around the paddock and dangerous with the ball in hand.
The Taieri pack did not win much ball and the side was always on the back foot.
The was also little support for the ball carrier when breaks were made.
Taieri displayed tenacious defence to stop the students from getting the bonus try until the final minutes but the team ran out of attacking options.
First five-eighth Michael Witt was steady, but was handicapped because he received too much ball on the back foot.
Ryan Shortland, in the midfield, was the most dangerous of the Taieri backs but he received no support when he broke the line.
University A 23 (David Thompson, Ryan Grant 2, Hoani Matenga tries; Chris Noakes penalty goal), Taieri 0.
Half-time: University A 18-0.
Referee: Todd Pullar.
