St Kevin’s stuck with King’s for 35 minutes in a division 1 game at Kettle Park on Thursday.
They went into the break tied 12-12.
King’s finished strongly to seal a 36-12 win.
St Kevin’s coach Justin Fowler was partially satisfied with the effort.
"We were definitely happy with that first half," he said.
"I think we controlled territory quite well and we had a couple of try-scoring opportunities which we capitalised on.
"Defensively, we weren't too bad either.
"But just in the second half, I think we lost our way a little bit by doing too much in the half. We put ourselves under pressure."
Powerhouse No 8 Siu Fisipuna carried strongly and got St Kevin’s over the advantage line, while openside Sam Fluksa covered a lot of ground.
First five Lachlan Neal shone in the opening half.
"We probably have [bridged the gap a bit]. But, look, it is early days for us. But we're pretty excited with what we've got, we've just got to sort of limit our mistakes."
St Kevin’s play Waitaki Boys’ in the Blood Match this Saturday and will back up on Sunday with a game against Otago Boys’, which is a big ask.
In the other division 1 games this round, Otago Boys’ beat John McGlashan 17-12 at Logan Park, and Southland Boys’ beat Southland Boys’ 2nds 63-5.
In division 2, Wakatipu edged rivals Mt Aspiring 22-21 in Queenstown, Waitaki Boys’ posted a 43-36 win over Dunstan in Oamaru, and South Otago beat Otago Boys’ 2nds 27-14 in Dunedin.
In division 3, Taieri College beat Cromwell 26-17 in Mosgiel, Central Southland recorded a 32-17 win over Māruawai/Menzies in Winton, and King’s 2nds beat John McGlashan 2nds 28-26 at Bishopscourt.
