King's High School got over a poor start to rack up its first win over Southland Boys' High School in more than 20 years on Saturday to make the final of the Otago premier schools competition.
King's was down 12-0 after just as many minutes and it looked as if it was going to be a long day for the side.
Both teams had beaten John McGlashan College and lost to Otago Boys' High School in the top four so the winner of the match in Clinton would decide who would play Otago Boys' High School in the final.
There were fears the game would be hit by snow and heavy rain but conditions were not too bad, although there was plenty of wind to contend with
Southland came out of the blocks well and scored 12 points in as many minutes as King's was caught on its heels. But the Dunedin side came back well and its forwards gained parity up front and started to dominate.
It was 12-all at the break and the game could have gone either way.
King's broke out about midway through the second half and swept downfield. The ball was moved and midfield back Giovanni Leituala went over to put his side ahead. The conversion gave the King's side some comfort.
Southland Boys' High School looked to get back into the game but King's was organised in keeping the ball-runners from Southland Boys' quiet.
It was the first time in 22 years King's had beaten Southland Boys' High School at first XV level. It will now take on Otago Boys' High School in the final this Saturday.
King's has lost twice to Otago Boys' this season but it is improving and will have every incentive to get one over the side from Littlebourne.
Otago Boys' has not lost a game all season. It easily disposed of John McGlashan College on Saturday, winning 40-5.
In the middle-four final, Dunstan will play Mount Aspiring College next week. Dunstan beat Waitaki Boys' 13-12 while Mount Aspiring drew with Otago Boys' High School Second XV 19-all.
In the bottom four, Wakatipu beat St Kevin's College 26-17 while South Otago beat the Combined Schools co-ed team 24-17. Wakatipu will play St Kevin's in the bottom-four final next Saturday.