Clutha is chasing a fifth consecutive title in the Southern Region premier grade and has made a decent start.
It has won two from two but used the escape hatch to beat Owaka in Balclutha on Saturday.
The teams were locked 24-24 at halftime and neither side was able to break the deadlock. But with 10 minutes remaining, Clutha launched a rare raid.
Fullback Kane Teunissen found some space out wide and got across to score what proved to be the match winner.
Locks Bax Colley and Connor Mills came up with some crucial ball to help release the pressure valve, while prop Daniel Miller also had a standout match.
Coach Ben Keach was thrilled with his side's second-half defensive effort and believes the team will have gained a lot of confidence from the result.
Clutha has a very specific goal in mind this season. Lawrence collected five titles in a row when it was a dominant side. That is helping keep Clutha motivated.
"They did five in a row, so the boys have sort of got that in the back on their mind," Keach said.
"It would be quite good to wrestle that record off Lawrence."
Clutha has good depth in the squad this season despite a few early injuries. Quality loose forward Simon Grant is waiting in the wings to help out when necessary. He has been helping out with the coaching.
"He'll bring some leadership, especially with all the young fellows in the pack," Keach said.
Kerrod Baldwin missed most of last season with a shoulder injury and "is easing back into it".
The lock-cum-loose forward missed the 31-24 win against Owaka with a "bad cut" above his eye.
Clutha play Toko in Milton tomorrow. Toko has had two close losses.
"They'll be decent. They have a big set of forwards and they have some backs returning from Dunedin who are pretty sharp too."