Dunstan High School leads the middle four in the Highlanders First XV competition after beating South Otago High School 52-10 in Alexandra on Saturday.
Dunstan is fifth on the table - behind big guns Southland Boys', Otago Boys', King's and Gore - and its aim is to win the middle section of the competition when it breaks into three four-team events after the round robin is completed.
Dunstan scored eight tries in a sparkling display of back play against South Otago, with winger Michael Harvey using his pace to score two tries.
Halfback Tom Dougherty directed play efficiently, scored a try and kicked five conversions.
Dunstan started aggressively with its backline able to find holes in the South Otago defence to take an early grip on the game.
A key player in the pack was openside flanker Keelan Baird who stole ball at the breakdown and his support play gave Dunstan the edge.
Prop Lani Rooney did his job with some bullocking runs and his ability with the pick and go.
The middle period of the game belonged to the South Otago pack that took control of the game with No 8 Cameron Burgess and lock Logan Mackie dominating the lineout.
Halfback Sam Mosely kept the ball tight and centre Jamie Morrison defended well in the midfield.
But the effort did not produce points and Dunstan was able to score three tries in the last 15 minutes when it regained its breath.
The strong Southland Boys' High School pack paved the way for a 67-6 win over Verdon College in Invercargill.
Flanker Nick Hayes stood out with his constructive play.
He was always in support and played a key role in many of his side's 11 tries.
The other key member of the pack was prop Lennon Gavin, who had a strong game in the set pieces and was strong with his hit ups.
The game between Central Southland College and Gore will be played as the curtain-raiser for the Ranfurly Shield match between Southland and North Otago on Friday night.
The other three games were played as traditional interschool games midweek.
Points after 10 games: Southland Boys' 46, Otago Boys' 42, King's 37, Gore 34, Dunstan 27, Waitaki Boys' 24, John McGlashan 22, Verdon 18, Kavanagh 12, Central Southland 12, South Otago 10, St Kevin's 5.
