John McGlashan turned around a 10-point halftime deficit to beat King’s in the opening game of the second round in the Southern Schools Rugby Championship on Saturday.
They trailed the home team 20-10 at the break.
King’s had run in three tries and actually led 20-3 until a late try to lock Jonty Riley cut the margin.
But some tough talk from Johnnies coach Corey Kara got the visitors back on track.
"We just had a conversation about our standards and bringing more [urgency] because they were putting us under pressure", he said.
"Nothing was going our way right through that first half. We weren’t making our tackles and we had to make sure we tackled and executed when we got an opportunity."
They got some luck. Midfielder Alex Piebenga nabbed an intercept which led to an Archie Goodall try. Both midfielders had strong games.
Riley was solid in the lineout and first five Liam Barron stood out as well.
Johnnies scored twice in the last 10 minutes to clinch the win.
Southland Boys’ edged Otago Boys’ 30-25 in Invercargill to retain the Moascar Cup.
They had led 12-3 at the break and pulled further ahead through a Caleb Harvey try.
But the visitors mounted a late surge.
Te-Ava-A-Katu Nicholas scored twice and exciting left winger Manaia Lesa also crossed the chalk.
However, Southland Boys’ first five Mika Muliaina drilled two penalties to help seal the win.
Newly promoted South Otago edged Wakatipu 24-12 at the Clutha Showgrounds.
In division 2, Southland Boys’ 2nds beat Dunstan 26-21, Waitaki Boys’ registered a 43-29 win over King’s 2nds, and Otago Boys’ 2nds cruised to a 47-22 victory over St Kevin’s.
In division 3, Māruawai/Menzies beat Cromwell 21-15, Mt Aspiring enjoyed a 33-3 win over Taieri, and Central Southland beat John McGlashan 2nds 17-5.
