The Raiders had everything to lose in the final, coming out of the regular season undefeated to take on a passionate University side, but they asserted their dominance from the opening whistle.
The students, however, showed they would not succumb to pressure easily, performing well on defence and committing men to each tackle.
The Raiders' game plan was evident as props Tiaki Cameron and Sam Brame took the ball at pace in the middle of the field.
After one disallowed try for fullback Edward Perkins, the Raiders showed resolve. After drawing the defence left, Louis Tili spread the ball right to captain Ben McKerchar, who delivered another long ball for Tane Tuhakaraina to dive across the line.
University's defence buckled under pressure, giving away a penalty which McKerchar sealed with his boot.
The students came back to show heart in defence and promise in attack, completing their sets, and the hard work paid off as Jalan Wallace muscled his way over the line, taking some Raiders players with him on the left-hand side of the pitch.
The Raiders replied less than five minutes later, when Perkins got a well-deserved try after weaving through the students to dot down.
It was tit-for-tat as University had the final say in the first half. Geoff Horsburgh made the most of a fumble to score his team's second try to bring the score to 12-8.
University captain Dexter Buchanan broke the line soon after the kick-off and looked to get his side into the lead, but a lack of support runners meant he was stopped in his tracks.
After five minutes in the Raiders' half, an incredible pass out of a tackle from Emmett Hurley to Deacon Fisher gave the students a try to level the scores.
McKerchar continued to command his team around the pitch and deliver pinpoint passes to his outside backs.
Raiders hooker Isaac Misky broke the line and shifted the ball to Perkins for his second try. The game looked as though it was over when University fumbled a simple pass. Misky pounced on the ball and walked over the line.
The Raiders sealed their win when Tuhakaraina pushed over the line after Steven Campbell-Paniona brought his team close after an intercept.
University showed heart throughout, but the Raiders' calculated offence and ruthless defence proved too much for the students.
By Thomas Heaton.
Otago Rugby League
The final
South Pacific Raiders 28
Edward Perkins 2, Tane Tuhakaraina 2, Isaac Misky tries; Ben McKerchar 4 goals
University 12
Jalan Wallace, Geoff Horsburgh, Deacon Fisher tries
Halftime: Raiders 12-8.
