University Black won a tightly-fought contest with Taieri Tuataras 4-3 yesterday afternoon.
For most of the first half, it was a see-saw battle as neither side was able to turn attack into points due to some staunch defence from the goalkeepers.
University broke the deadlock minutes before halftime with an impressive goal to Nick Sissons to take a 1-0 lead into the break.
However, Taieri responded with a goal of its own when Cameron O'Neill scored immediately after a penalty corner.
The students then took charge and scored three further goals through Connor Anderson, Jamie Pollock and James Kennedy to extend the lead to 4-1.
The sizeable lead did not deter Taieri, which picked itself up and went back on attack.
The Tuataras scored two further goals through Matthew West and O'Neill to create a tense finish, but University held on to claim the win.
Taieri coach Andrew Mitchell said another five minutes could have turned the game in his side's favour as the students looked rattled.
University co-coach Hitaua Arahanga-Doyle said it was the basics that kept the game close and his side was lucky to
win.
