Otumoetai College booked a home semifinal in the Bay of Plenty Polytechnic First XV division one playoffs when they posted 45 unanswered points in the second spell to defeat John Paul College on Saturday.

Halfback Jacob Lynn dived over for an Otumoetai try in the first half after quick hands put him in space close to the line.

The home side led 13-7 at the halfway stage of the game before unleashing a try scoring blitz in the second half.

Tyler Ryan had a superb match on the wing and used his blistering pace to grab three second half touchdowns.

A well-worked team effort resulted in Ryan Henstock crossing for five points in the corner.

The other Western Bay side's tries were awarded to Kurt Christopherson, Jay Michalik and Devon Cleaver who showed real leadership playing in the number 10 jersey.

The final score line of 58-7 reflected a superb championship round from the Otumoetai first XV, who were rewarded to finish as the top qualifier – and host Trident High School next Saturday at Otumoetai College.

A real battle of attrition took place in Rotorua, where Western Heights High School grabbed the second home semi-final, when they took out an extremely tight contest 5-nil against Te Puke High School.

The sole points of the encounter came from a try to Evan Groves.

The Western Heights forwards put together a strong defensive platform, while Te Puke played well with just a couple of missed opportunities costing the side victory.

Western Heights halfback Jordan Ngamata-Poi again led his side with real authority.

Saturday was a big day for Western Heights Coach Ron Preston with his team grabbing a home semi-final – then the former Bay star was named in the Bay of Plenty Rugby Dream Team of the Century at the BOPRU Centennial Luncheon.

A nail biting Eastern Bay of Plenty local derby decided the fourth place in the playoffs. With just a solitary point separating the two teams going into the sudden death clash – the prize for the winner was a place in next weekend's playoffs, with the loser having played their last game of the season.

After 80 minutes of pulsating rugby, Trident claimed the last semi-finals spot when they got home by a solitary point, winning 8-7.

Bethlehem College preserved an unbeaten championship record, and booked a home semi-final when they defeated Mount Maunganui 17-nil.

However it wasn't all bad news for the Mount College, who still finished third on the point's ladder, which was enough to grab a post section place.

The local Taupo derby saw Taupo Nui A Tia defeat Tauhara College 22-10 and earn a home semi-final. However, Tauhara College also qualified for the semi-final action, when Reporoa College who was winless entering the last game upset Katikati College 22-10, to give Taupo two teams in next weekend's semi-finals.

In division three Rotorua Boys' High finished as top qualifier, with Edgecumbe and Aquinas Colleges and Whakatane High also making the top four playoffs.

Bay of Plenty Polytechnic Secondary Schools Rugby First XV Results August 13

Division One: Otumoetai College 58 John Paul College 7, Trident HS 8 Opotiki College 7, Western Heights HS 5 Te Puke HS 0.

Points: Otumoetai 19, Western Heights 14, Te Puke 13, Trident 12, Opotiki 10, JPC 4

Division Two: Taupo Nui A Tia 22 Tauhara 10, Reporoa 22 Katikati 10, Bethlehem 17 Mount Maunganui 0

Points: Bethlehem 22, Taupo Nui A Tia 19, Mount Maunganui 14, Tauhara 7, Katikati 6, Reporoa 4.

Division Three: Aquinas 16 Rotorua Lakes 5, Edgecumbe 20 Tauranga BC 17, Rotorua BHS defeated Whakatane

Points: Rotorua BHS 24, Edgecumbe 15, Aquinas 14, Whakatane 10, Tauranga BC 6, Rotorua Lakes 2.

Bay of Plenty Polytechnic Secondary Schools Rugby First XV Semifinals August 20

(Home teams first)

Division One: Otumoetai v Trident, Western Heights v Te Puke

Division Two: Bethlehem v Tauhara, Taupo Nui A Tia v Mount Maunganui

Division Three: Rotorua BC v ???, ??? v Aquinas – please note that Edgecumbe and Whakatane play Wednesday (17 August 2011) to decide the two current vacant spots