Two late tries exaggerated the winning margin when Alhambra-Union beat Dunedin at the North Ground.
The scores were level 20-20 at the break and it took another 27 minutes for Alhambra-Union to take the lead when prop Scott Manson crashed over.
Powerhouse centre Tumua Ioane was sent to the sin bin and Dunedin played with 14 men.
This was the turning point as Alhambra-Union then took charge and scored two late tries.
The Alhambra-Union pack had the edge in the set pieces, with hooker Tom Viggo and prop Manson giving it a solid scrum.
Locks Matt Kissick and Mitch Ewan supplied lineout ball.
But Dunedin was better in the loose, with No 8 Joe Dobson and flanker Hugh Blake getting the edge at the breakdown.
First five-eighth Peter Breen played a key role for Alhambra-Union and scored 19 points. He kicked six goals.
Ioane scored one of Dunedin's two tries and was the best back on the paddock.
- Alhambra-Union 39 (Ben Qauqau, Peter Breen, Ryan Bowater, Scott Manson, Mike Moeahu tries; Breen 4 con, 2 pen), Dunedin 23 (Liam Edwards, Tumua Ioane tries; Edwards 2 con, 3 pen). Halftime: 20-20. Referee: Todd Pullar.