The Kaikorai pack paved the way for an upset win over competition leader University A in the Speight's Challenge Shield match at Bishopscourt.
Kaikorai's forwards drove as a unit, got the better of the breakdown and made it difficult for the talented student backline to break out.
Powerhouse forwards were No 8 Kensack Palepoi and locks Seko Qaraniqio and Joe Glucina, who made ground with the ball in hand to test the student defence.
Flankers Adam Hill and Hamish Chrisp were both skilled at the breakdown and tackled ferociously.
Chrisp took Kaikorai into the lead after 33 minutes when he used his strength to barge his way over the line from 15m out after Kaikorai recycled second-phase ball.
Halfback Willie Lawson was the best of the Kaikorai backs with his swift passing, determined tackling and probing runs down the short side.
He kicked a penalty after 13 minutes in the second spell to extend the lead to 10 points.
Wing Fetu'u Vainikolo always looked dangerous with the ball in hand and first five-eighth Cam Rutherford was steady until he was injured early in the second spell.
The University A backs received the ball on the back foot most of the game and were not allowed to get any rhythm.
It meant that first five-eighth Chris Noakes was not able to dominate the game in his usual way.
Fullback Ben Hones was the only student back who was given the space to display his flair.
He broke through the centre inside the 22m to score the students' only try after 26 minutes in the second spell.
Kaikorai 10 (Hamish Chrisp try; Cam Rutherford conversion, Willie Lawson penalty goal), University A 7 (Ben Hones try; Chris Noakes conversion).
Half-time: Kaikorai 7-0.
Referee: Jeff Grubb.
