Kavanagh College beat South Otago 20-19 in what turned out to be a cliff-hanger in the Highlanders First XV rugby competition.
Kavanagh College scored three first-half tries to lead 20-5, when it played with the wind in the first spell.
But the second spell was different, as South Otago scored three quick tries and trailed by just one point with 15 minutes left.
Desperate defence by Kavanagh in the final minutes kept the ball tight in the forwards, with prop Peter Pupualli driving it up.
Flanker James Tomkinson was a rock on defence and first five-eighth Ben Willemsen did his bit by hugging the short side.
Players to impress for South Otago were openside flanker Jonny Sargent with his support play, lock Hamish May, flanker Jamie Sutton and halfback Dion Shaw.
Dunstan led St Kevin's 10-6 at halftime but woke up in the second spell to win 25-13 at Oamaru.
The key players were flanker Keelan Baird, prop James Dobson and first five-eighth Scott Cameron, who was a strong defender.
Lively halfback Tom Docherty and second five-eighth Sam Galletly each scored one of Dunstan's four tries.
Wing Hayden Stephens displayed blistering speed to score the first try when Gore beat John McGlashan 29-11 at Gore.
Stephens beat five defenders in a 20m run that put Gore on the front foot and it went on to score five tries and gain the bonus point.
Second five-eighth Aaron Shirley was a strong defender and also broke the line to score one of Gore's tries.
No 8 Morgan Mitchell was the best of the forwards with his strong tacking and his ability to carry the ball past the advantage line.
The score could have been greater but for the rugged tackling of John McGlashan locks Oli Reid and Tom Simmers and the covering work of flanker Cameron Wood.
Southland Boys gained a bonus point win when it beat Waitaki Boys 38-14 at Oamaru.
Fullback Matt Day kicked two early penalty goals to give Waitaki Boys an early 6-0 lead and No 8 Adrian Myburgh scored a second half try. Centre Anthony Wetere-Sweet had a strong defensive game for Waitaki Boys.
In the other game Menzies College beat Verdon College 48-10. The Kings v Otago Boys game will be played as an inter-school game on July 14.
Gore leads the competition after seven rounds with 31 points, from Southland Boys 30, Kings 29, Waitaki Boys 25, Otago Boys 24, Dunstan 17, Menzies College 14, John McGlashan 7, Kavanagh College 7, South Otago 6, St Kevin's 4 and Verdon College 0.