The students' first win of the season was built off solid defence on their own line coupled with bustling runs up the middle of the field by the forwards.
University playmaker Joe Bywater was particularly good at running nice lines and putting in big tackles after shaking off a heavy knock to the shin in the first half.
He and his team mates were delighted to hold the Eagles scoreless in the second half.
''It's good to have a whole half not letting any tries in,'' Bywater said.
''As soon as I see the line, I take it on. I'm meant to be feeding the boys but I get a bit of white line fever.''
Tyson Ball was a standout on defence for University, making three tackles in the final Eagles set.
That was an illustration of the heart coach Ray Fitiao has been looking for all season.
''It's really good to see from a coaching perspective. It's not perfect but it's a start,'' Fitiao said.
The Eagles started off with a hiss and a roar. Dave Broughton crashed over in the right hand corner to open the scoring in the first 10 minutes and Jackson Harliwich added the extras from right on the touchline.
That would be the only scoring play the Eagles would have in the match, as every time they threatened, they were repelled with solid tackles or coughed up the ball at crucial times.
University opened its account with a fine effort from Jalon Wallace, who would later have two tries disallowed.
The students showed a new level of aggression in the forward pack that paid off hugely with tries to James Devoe and William Jackson.
Fitiao was delighted with the result.
''I called the forwards aside on Thursday and said, `You know how this game is played - it starts up front.'''You could sense at the end there they didn't want to let it go. It's great to see that fight.''
Eagles coach Hyrum Martin wants his players to learn from the experience and put in the hard yards at training.
''We knew they were desperate for a win and they showed that they were hungrier than us,'' Martin said.
''They kept it simple, and when you starve any team of the ball, you get the results.''
In the other game of the round, Kia Toa beat the Cowboys 36-28 in Invercargill. South Pacific had the bye.
By Andrew King.
