University A has won the Speight's Championship Shield with a convincing 31-15 win against Taieri at Forsyth Barr Stadium this afternoon.
Taieri dictated terms early on but was not able to convert its possession and territory into enough points.
Second five-eighth Michael Collins scored the game's opening try when he ran on to a pass from Josh Casey about 10m out from the line.
But having spent about 25min on the back foot, the students suddenly struck.
Midfield back Shae Tucker bumped off a tackler and passed to classy centre Matt Faddes, who had cut back on a superb line and dotted down under the posts.
The try signalled a swing in momentum.
Not long after that Taieri opted for a quick throw which went horribly wrong. University won back possession in prime position.
The forwards ganged up, with lock Josh Dickson and bustling No 8 Sione Teu handling the ball in a fine team try which was finished off by halfback Kaide Whiting.
Taieri looked stunned and a little out of breath.
University led 17-10 at the break despite the
Eels enjoying the better of the half.
The students dominated the second half and a try to Fletcher Smith with about 15min to go more or less sealed the victory.
Taieri got a consolation try through Charlie O'Connell. But University had the last say with winger Gavin Stark scoring under the posts.
Casey extended his season record tally to 300 points, 40 points more than the previous recorded highest season total.
- Matt Te Tana used his speed to score three of Kaikorai's seven tries when it beat Dunedin 48-39 at the University Oval to become the first holder of the Gainsborough Shield.
