Cam Gerlach was the hero for Bethlehem College First XV on Saturday when he coolly slotted an injury-time penalty to defeat Opotiki College 17-15.
The opening match in the championship round of the Bay of Plenty Polytechnic Secondary Schools division one competition looked set to go the visitors' way after Opotiki opened up a convincing 15-0 lead by halftime.
But Bethlehem's superior fitness and a huge increase in intensity saw them score two late tries and Gerlach's goal to clinch the victory.
Bethlehem had not played for two weeks and looked rusty at the start as the bigger and more aggressive Opotiki pack ripped into their work led by outstanding No8 Sonny Collier. He opened the scoring after eight minutes, crashing over after sustained pressure on the Bethlehem line, and Opotiki were 12-0 up minutes later when Mike Stevens scored after Bethlehem dropped the ball inside their 22.
Opotiki dominated territory and possession early on but Bethlehem came back into the game through sharp breaks by midfielder Luke Allen, only for crucial passes to be spilled.