Stubborn Alhambra-Union defence shut down the Dunedin backline in the last 10 minutes and paved the way for the narrow win in the Centennial Trophy game at the North Ground.
A penalty by fullback Peter Breen gave Alhambra-Union a 3-0 lead at the break and it was extended to 13-5 when No 8 Mana Faraimo scored after 15 minutes in the second spell.
The margin was reduced to three points when Dunedin No 8 Scott McKee scored in the corner after the forwards drove after a line-out.
The solid back defence of Jone Paumau, Luke Reihana and Wayne Gibson stifled all the Dunedin attacking moves as Alhambra-Union hung on to its advantage.
The big difference in the game was the kicking of Breen, who landed three goals to score eight points.
Four Dunedin kickers missed a combined six attempts at goal.
The strong Dunedin pack dominated territory and possession in the first spell but too many mistakes and turnovers from its backline and the stubborn Alhambra-Union defence stopped it from scoring points.
Lock Michael Gurran dominated the line-out, McKee was lively in the loose and the front row of Kelsey Miller, Sam Anderson-Heather and Adam Duhig gave Dunedin the advantage in the scrum.
The best Alhambra-Union forward was openside flanker Wahari Waitohi, while halfback Matt George had a lively game with his sniping runs and harassing of the Dunedin backs around the fringes.
Alhambra-Union 13 (Mana Faraimo try; Peter Breen conversion, 2 penalty goals), Dunedin 10 (Scott McKee, Tumua Ioane tries).
Half-time: Alhambra-Union 3-0.
Referee: Scott Taylor.
