Alhambra-Union 31
Both teams would have left Bathgate Park scratching their heads on Thursday night.
Southern was wondering how on earth it managed to haemorrhage 31 points in the last quarter after leading 48-0, and Alhambra-Union was pondering what it needed to do to get more ball earlier in the game.
But there were positives to emerge for both sides as well.
Some late changes had an impact on the game but before then, Southern had dominated possession and territory.
Barnstorming No 8 Mika Mafi made ground every time he picked the ball up and winger Byron Dodge finished superbly.
Both players bagged two tries.
Blindside flanker Adam Knight got through a lot of work and has the pleasing habit of popping up just when his team needs him.
His opposite, Ben Tuiomanufili, led the charge for Alhambra.
Fullback Noah Cooper was another player to stand out, while halfback Caleb Gray made some good decisions at the base of the scrum.
Alhambra scored five tries in that final 20 minutes which meant it picked up a valuable bonus point. Southern banked its bonus point for four tries before the break.
University A 35
Pirates 21
Pirates may well have the best front row in the competition but the team was outclassed out wide by a workman-like University A team at Hancock Park.
Pirates was able to put enormous pressure on University, particular when it was the students feeding the scrum.
The home side's lineout also functioned well, with player-coach Josh Clark providing a steady stream of ball.
But while the Pirates forwards are organised and uncompromising, the backline is chaotic and tentative.
University has some pacey big men in its backline but there were no swerving 50m runs upfield or pulverising fends on display.
Instead, the students just coasted into gaps which should not have been there or got on the outside of their opponents.
The opening try summed up the match.
Pirates drove University back in the scrum but the students cleared the ball wide for Sam McLachlan to dot down.
It just looked too simple and by halftime University had a four-try bonus point and a 25-7 lead.
Pirates scored both side of the break but University struck back when lock Hamish Walker crashed over.
That try effectively sealed the win.
Victory came at a cost with Highlanders outside back Richard Buckman injuring his shoulder.
Zingari-Richmond 28
Kaikorai 22
The powerhouse Zingari-Richmond pack paved the way for an exciting win over Kaikorai at Bishopscourt.
Lock Joe Latta led by example with a dynamic display in the lineout and driving play inside the Kaikorai 22m.
Latta grabbed four takes off Kaikorai throws, and an early try after a strong forward drive set the pattern for the game.
He was backed by hooker Masiu Akauloa, No 8 Blair Tweed, lock Colin Enright and flanker Chris Bell.
The turning point in the game came midway through the second half when the Zingari pack spent eight minutes inside the 22m pushing Kaikorai back in the scrum.
When a penalty try was awarded, Zingari led 20-9.
Kaikorai fought back with all-out attack and scored 11 points in eight minutes to lead 22-20 after 32 minutes.
Kaikorai was kept in the game by first five-eighth Matt Te Tana with his sparkling attacking skills and long punts.
He also landed six goals from nine attempts to score 17 points.
The Zingari pack took the lead back in the last five minutes when midfield back Lachie Moore scored.
Speedy fullback Christian Walker was the other Zingari back to excel.
Taieri 31
Harbour 31
Tries either side of halftime to loose forward Ratu Dawai gave Harbour a share of the points in the Challenge Shield game at Peter Johnstone Park.
Taieri appeared to be in control, exposing Harbour behind the line and feeding off mistakes created when the Hawks rushed their attacks and players became isolated.
Taieri first five-eighth Josh Casey set the game alight in the seventh minute through a superb piece of individual brilliance, when he broke through three tackles to run 30m and score under the crossbar.
Casey's try plus 16 points through his kicking skills played an important role in Taieri maintaining its hold on the Challenge Shield.
But a resurgent Harbour side with a committed forward pack almost proved Taieri's undoing.
Harbour fullback Logan Allen gave the pack plenty of heart with his powerful clearance kicks and defensive work.
Taieri was well served at the back through the clearance work of Casey, fullback Ben Miller and winger Glen Beadle.
Flanker Willis Scott, in his 50th appearance for the champion Taieri side, was full of work, as was Highlanders prop Kane Hames on his Eels debut.
Harbour was well served up front by Peter Mirrielees, Hale and Solomon T-Pole, Ben Whale and Dawai.
Dunedin 30
Green Island 27
Green Island would have, could have and probably should have beaten Dunedin at Kettle Park but it could not capitalise on a lot of its first-half opportunities.
Green Island led 15-10 at the break but could have easily been ahead by another 15-20 points. It had so much territory but made too many mistakes.
Dunedin kept falling off tackles and did not appear as committed as its opponent.
But after halftime, Dunedin was able to hold on to the ball and play with some structure.
It scored three unanswered tries and looked as if it might run away with the match.
Green Island trailed 30-15 but finished strongly.
Impressive No 8 Jackson Hemopo added two tries to go with his first-half try.
His final try saw the big fellow scamper 40m.
The penalty count favoured Green Island.
Dunedin made a lot of infringements when it did not have the ball and lacked discipline at times.
But it was able to keep Green Island pinned down behind its own 22m in the last five minutes.
