University A held on to the Jonathan Keogh Memorial trophy with an impressive 28-20 win against Dunedin.
The defending champion had too much strike power in the backs for Dunedin and chalked up its 10th consecutive win.
Harbour remains in second place on the competition standings after a 34-19 win against Alhambra-Union.
Its lack of discipline proved costly, though. Halfback Tala Fagasoaia was sent off for punching.
Kaikorai moved into third place with its 38-17 win against Green Island.
Southern prevailed 29-13 against Taieri but remains outside the top four, while Zingari-Richmond thrashed Pirates 64-27 in the battle for the wooden spoon.
Harbour 34
Alhambra-Union 19
Harbour was reduced to 14 men early in the second spell but escaped the North Ground with a reasonably comfortable win against Alhambra-Union.
Harbour led 26-14 at the break but halfback Tala Fagasoaia was sent off for punching about three minutes into the half.
While down a man, the Hawks still had too much grunt in the pack for Alhambra-Union.
Lock Ben Whale and front rowers Sekonaia Pole and Aiden Spence had a big impact on the tight exchanges, while former Highlander Seilala Mapusua turned back the clock with a strong performance in the midfield.
Fullback Logan Allen made some decisive runs and kicked well and was probably the best back on display.
Loosie Iloa Lihau scored two tries, including the opening try.
Alhambra-Union fluffed a clearance kick and Harbour swung on to attack.
Lihau crashed over following several drives at the line.
Alhambra-Union’s ball handling was poor and its tactical appreciation not much better.
Flanker Jacob Coghlan was one of the best for the home side.
He sprang into action when Harbour threw the ball over the back of the lineout.
He grabbed it and scored and had a pretty industrious game.
Outside back Poasa Cama looked threatening when he got opportunities, and Adam Simpson showed some good pace on the left wing.
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