The John Paul College first XV go into the next round of the Toi Ohomai Baywide Secondary Schools competition buoyed by a history-making victory last weekend.
They played the only unbeaten team in Division One, Te Puke High School, with the Te Kani Shield up for grabs.
After an early try from Te Puke saw JPC bounced back to take a 7–5 lead.
Another try and the trusty boot of Russell Macken put scoreboard pressure back on to Te Puke High School and JPC went into the halftime leading 20–5.
Te Puke had the better of the half, however great defence from JPC held them out. A late charge from JPC saw them finish with a try, winning 33–12 lifting the Te Kani Shield for the first time.
Tomorrow,John Paul College take the shield on the road to Whakatane, where Trident High School will be itching to reclaim this prized trophy - which they held only weeks ago.
Te Puke High School square up against Aquinas College who are boosted by a win over Taupō-nui-a-Tia College last week.
With a big, mobile loose forward trio, Aquinas College will need to be in top form to contain a bruised Te Puke High School team who are keen to redeem their loss of the Te Kani Shield.
Western Heights High School will take on a depleted Taupō-nui-a-Tia College team struggling with injuries.
After a narrow loss to Aquinas College, Taupō, if at full strength, could prove more than a match for Western Heights who are looking forward to a rematch against John Paul College in the finals.
In Division Two, Tauhara College are clear of the pack after a convincing win over Otumoetai College. This week they face a big road trip to Opotiki.
Toi Ohomai Baywide Secondary Schools draw
Saturday
Division One First XV
(Kickoff 12pm)
Trident High School v John Paul College
Rotorua Boys' High School Barbarians v Te Wharekura O Mauao
Te Puke High School v Aquinas College
Western Heights High School v Taupō-nui-a-Tia College
