Green Island rallied in the final 10 minutes to snatch a 20-20 draw against Harbour at Miller Park this afternoon.
Winger Michael Manson grabbed an intercept and ace goal-kicker Isaak Te Hiwi drilled a penalty in the final minute.
Taieri produced a terrible opening 40 minutes and trailed Southern 18-7 at the break at Bathgate Park.
The defending champions fought back but Southern scored late to register its first win of the season.
Dunedin also posted its first win. It beat Alhambra-Union 30-12 at the North Ground.
In the other game, University dispatched Zingari-Richmond 40-17 at Montecillo.
The scores:
Green Island 20-20 Harbour full-time
Southern 35-28 Taieri full-time
Zingari 17-40 University full-time
Alhambra-Union 12-30 Dunedin full-time
