Blues B retained its unbeaten record in division one Southland club rugby on Saturday.
A remarkable second-half performance gave it a 35-28 win over Albion Excelsior.
Albion Excelsior shocked the locals at Balmoral Drive with its skill and power in the first half, racking up 25 unanswered points.
After a stern talking to at halftime, Blues came out with a completely different attitude, and dominated proceedings.
Blues right wing Fili Hufanga stood out with his bustling second-half runs.
Albion coach Ritchie Robinson said "it was the classic game of two halves; Blues must have had a great halftime pep talk as it was a massive turnaround. Blues played exceptionally well - Sam Muir made the difference for them, slotting in at first five and directing the play."
Waikiwi beat Star B 27-19 at Waverley Park. It was a hard-fought game, with the lead changing hands several times.
Waikiwi manager Alf McPhee said "... it wasn't won until the final whistle; the team really stuck to their work during the final 10 minutes. So many players stepped up during the match so it's hard to label them".
Waiau Star earned its first win since 2017 when it beat Wakatipu 36-31 at the Tuatapere Domain. Waiau led 22-10 at halftime in a forward-orientated game.
Waiau coach Matt Downey was a relieved man after the match.
"It's been a long time coming - the boys really hooked into it".
Captain Jimmy Dennison had a big day in the loose forwards, and experienced fullback Blayne de Vries was another key contributor.
Pioneer beat Mossburn 27-10 at Newman Park in Gore.
Mossburn led 10-3 at halftime, but Pioneer made some changes in the backline that brought about a better structure and defence.
Mossburn's best were first five-eighth Josh Cavanagh and No8 Harley Ware.
In the division two competition Drummond Limehills Star worked hard for its 55-19 victory over Pirates Old Boys at Surrey Park in Invercargill.
The DLS bench was the key to the victory, especially prop Troy McBride who came on for the final 30 minutes.
McBride scored two tries from 25m out. and set up two more.
Riverton had an 18-14 win on its home ground against Bluff.
Riverton Coach Phil Bevin said the clash of the seasiders was played in great spirits and his side made hard work of the win.
In the four other division two matches, Tokanui beat Bush Pirates 24-0, Woodlands B beat cellar dweller Collegiate 41-21, Mataura beat Balfour Lumsden 48-20, and Marist B beat Ohai Nightcaps 33-31. Blues' third team had the bye.
- John Langford