The blood pressure of the Alhambra-Union coaching staff rose suddenly when Pirates attacked the line in the final seconds at Carisbrook on Saturday.
Zingari-Richmond was competitive for 40 minutes but numerous holes opened up in its defence in the second spell at Miller Park.
Taieri came out firing to score three tries in the first 15 minutes to set up a big win at Peter Johnstone Park.
The powerful University A pack dominated the set-pieces and set the platform for its decisive semifinal win.
Captain Cameron Rutherford was a controlling influence and his accurate goal-kicking was invaluable as Kaikorai staved off a spirited challenge from Green Island at Bishopscourt.
Alhambra-Union survived a strong second-half rally by Taieri to claim a narrow win at Peter Johnstone Park.
Pirates could not quite win the Jack Hore Trophy for the first time since 2002, but a draw with Southern at Hancock Park was enough to lock away the Challenge Shield for the summer.
Promising fullback Matt Faddes was in superb touch and scored two late tries as University A came from behind to beat Dunedin at Kettle Park.
Harbour won the Bandy Scoles Memorial Trophy for the 34th time when it beat Zingari-Richmond at Montecillo.
University A ran away with the Gallaway Trophy by 15 points and is the hot favourite to win its first Dunedin premier banner since 2004.
Promising fullback Matt Faddes was in superb touch and scored two late tries as University A came from behind to beat Dunedin 26-20 in premier rugby today.
University A has a 14-point lead on the field, and has retained the Gallaway Trophy.
A masterful display at first five-eighth from Andrew Reid inspired Taieri to a drubbing of Zingari-Richmond at Montecillo.
Dunedin dominated the second spell and scored three more tries when it beat Green Island at Kettle Park.
Flanker Alando Soakai celebrated his 50th game for Kaikorai with an aggressive and winning display to help Kaikorai lift the Frank Cadman Memorial Trophy at Bathgate Park.
The powerful student pack dominated the game as University A went on a seven-try jaunt to beat Alhambra-Union at the University Oval.
Glenn Dickson's boot punished Harbour's indiscipline as Pirates claimed a narrow win at Watson Park.
University A has retained the Gallaway Trophy and is the only side certain of a semi-finals spot with just one round to go.
University A leads Dunedin premier rugby competition by 11 points after narrowly beating Kaikorai 21-18 at Bishopscourt today.
University A has a 12-point cushion at the top but seven other teams have a chance of taking the last three semifinal spots in Dunedin premier rugby.