Waitaki Boys’ has broken the curse.
The Oamaru secondary school came back to pip Dunstan High in the final minutes to win 22-19 and secure its first victory of the season on Saturday.
Coach Mark Wilson said it was a "gutsy effort" from his boys on the road in the Otago Schools Rugby Championship division 2 game at Molyneux Park.
"Very nice to tick that box off," Wilson said.
Waitaki Boys’ got on the board first through a converted try, but the home side bit back minutes later with a try of its own.
The visitors scored again through prop Sione Pouha to take a 12-5 lead into halftime.
Replacement winger Simione Toganivulu pushed the lead out further for Waitaki Boys’ after scoring in the 48th minute.
Dunstan was set on not letting Waitaki Boys’ run away, scoring converted tries through Sullivan Love and Raff Love, in 15 minutes to take the lead for the first time with minutes to go.
But back came Waitaki Boys’.
It retained its kick-off and worked it around before Toganivulu finished it off for his side, scoring in the corner and stealing the game.
"Very proud of him, but he just finished off what was a really, really good team performance at the end of the day."
It was a very even game but he felt his side’s defence was the difference, Wilson said.
"We defended for long periods of time and then we were able to repel them and then get up the other end."
The win comes at the perfect time as Waitaki Boys’ prepares for its biggest match of the season, the Blood Match against cross-town rival St Kevin’s College on Friday.
St Kevin’s fell 30-10 to Otago Boys’ 2nds on Saturday, and Mount Aspiring beat Taieri 31-14.
In division 1, King’s had a big win over South Otago, beating it 51-7, Otago Boys’ beat Wakatipu 45-0, and Southland Boys’ beat John McGlashan 66-21.
