Taieri have Hayden Parker to thank for an unlikely win in the Dunedin premier rugby final today after the first five slotted a booming penalty on the stroke of fulltime to seal a 24-22 victory for his side.
Dunedin, gunning for their first banner since 2009, looked the sharper team in the first half at Forsyth Barr Stadium and went in 19-8 at the break.
However, a try soon after halftime to Kieran Moffat got Taieri back into the match, and while Dunedin managed to retain the lead throughout the second 40, Taieri kept within striking distance.
With time up and Taieri one point behind, they were awarded a penalty 47m out, and Parker stepped up to grab the glory and break Dunedin hearts.
In the first half, after a handful of penalties had the score sitting at 12-3 in Dunedin's favour, No 8 Gareth Evans broke from the back of a scrum and got the ball away to Brad Weber, who crossed for a five-pointer which was converted to give his team a 19-3 lead.
Taieri closed the gap just before halftime when a forward push led to a try to Karl Bloxham, which was unconverted.
Taieri 24 (Karl Bloxham, Kieran Moffat tries; Hayden Parker con, 4 pen), Dunedin 22 (Brad Weber try; Liam Edwards con, 5 pen). Halftime: Dunedin 19-8.
