With just one game remaining before the semi-finals of the Bay of Plenty Polytechnic Secondary Schools first fifteen Division One playoffs – Bethlehem College have moved to the top of the table courtesy of defeating Opotiki College on Saturday, July 28, and also picking up the points from the deferred game with Taupo Nui A Tia College.

A smart game plan and outstanding field kicking for position saw the Western Bay school lead Opotiki College six nil at the break.

A further penalty and good finishing by Luke Allen and Bede Murray who grabbed a try apiece resulted in Bethlehem stretching their advantage, before the Eastern Bay side came back into the encounter with three touchdowns.

With 15 minutes remaining in the game Mike Booth crossed to take his side to a 13 point lead.

A late Opotiki try gave them a bonus point, however, a jubilant Bethlehem College team took out the victory 30-22.

The reported best performance of the season has moved Otumoetai College into the top four, after defeating Mount Maunganui College 39-3.

Otumoetai brought a physical and tactical approach to a game in which they ran in five tries. Leading just 5-3 at the half way stage of the match, Otumoetai asserted their authority in the second spell to post a decisive 39-3 victory.

The Otumoetai touchdowns were awarded to JT Tahere (2) Mathew Ensor (2) and Ryan Brown who also dropped a goal for good measure.

Keegan Long converted four tries and slotted a penalty goal.

Otumoetai team management praised the performances of first five Ryan Henstock and centre JT Tahere with rake Neal Redward and inspirational captain Mark Nicholls also having outstanding games.

A midweek Rotorua derby between John Paul College and Western Heights High School, resulted in JPC defeating their near neighbours for the first time, in the history of the encounters between the two schools.

Try scorers in the 44 nil victory were Jack Bird (2), Trey Watson, Petelo Kelemete and Joseph Keenan, with Petelo Kelemete in brilliant kicking form nailing five conversions and three penalty gaols from eight attempts.

Trident High School moved into second spot when they defeated Taupo Nui A Tia 30-15 in Taupo.

Bay of Plenty Polytechnic Secondary Schools Rugby Results July 28, 2012

Division One

Otumoetai College 39 Mount Maunganui College 3, Bethlehem College 30 Opotiki College 22, Trident HS 30 Taupo Nui A Tia 15, John Paul College 44 Western Heights HS 0.

Points Table: Bethlehem 23, Trident 21, Otumoetai 19, Opotiki 18, JPC 17, Mount Maunganui 14, Taupo Nui A Tia 7, Western Heights 3.

Division Two: Reporoa 29 Aquinas 9, Tauhara 22 Te Puke 5, Katikati 48 Whakatane 24, Edgecumbe won by default.

Points Table: Katikati 25, Tauhara 23, Aquinas 19, Reporoa 17, Whakatane 15, Te Puke 11, Edgecumbe 11. Tauranga BC 3-0.