Defending champions Kings United lost the challenge shield in round two, but only had to wait two games to get it back.
They toppled Taieri Tuataras 4-1 in men's club hockey on Saturday.
They started as well as possible when their first foray down to the Taieri end resulted in a speculative reverse shot from Tom Caughley flying into the top of the net spectacularly.
In the following five minutes Taieri was struck down by two serious injuries which left them undermanned and a bit rattled.
Kings were able to take full toll, adding a second early goal and putting real pressure on.
The Tuataras were able to recover in the second quarter and create some chances.
But unforced errors let them down and Kings continued to break out on the counter attack at high pace with good skills, and meant business in attack.
Taieri was able to repel several penalty corners, but another mistake in midfield coming out of defence led to a third goal before halftime.
That put shield holders Taieri under huge pressure in the second half.
The Tuataras have shown good heart so far this season and were not about to lie down, pulling one back through a Jordan Ward drag flick.
That brought the game to life, and some overly aggressive physicality left players from both sides receiving yellow cards in the second half.
Taieri's hope was short lived however, as Kings were able to put the game away early in the fourth and their 4-1 lead proved insurmountable for the short-handed Taieri side.
University A travelled to Gore and were able to comfortably beat Southland 7-0, while Albany A also flexed their muscles 5-0 over University B.
Kings and University now share top spot with 12 points, Taieri move down to third with 9, Albany 8, Southland 5 and Uni B are stuck on 0.
- Matt West
