Shirley Boys’ High School has won its first New Zealand Secondary Schools Boys Championship rugby league title after a dramatic comeback against New Plymouth Boys’ High School in Auckland.

The Christchurch school won the grand final 18 to 12 after trailing 12 to 0 early in the second half at the National Secondary Schools Tournament at Bruce Pulman Park.

New Plymouth Boys’ took control early, scoring two tries and keeping Shirley Boys’ scoreless to lead 8 to 0 at halftime.

The Taranaki side scored again after the break to extend its advantage to 12 points before Shirley Boys’ launched its comeback.

Shirley Boys’ scored and converted its first try before crossing again and adding another conversion to level the final at 12 all.

With the momentum having shifted, the Christchurch side scored a third try to complete the turnaround and secure the 18 to 12 victory.

Mahuru Watene scored two tries for Shirley Boys’ in the final.

The victory capped an impressive tournament for the school after Shirley Boys’ opened its campaign with consecutive 40 to 0 victories over Papakura High School and Te Kōpuku High School, finishing the opening day at the top of the Boys Championship standings without conceding a point.

Watene was also selected in the New Zealand Secondary Schools 18s Boys Team following the tournament.

Shirley Boys’ player Taimana Kaa Mackie received further recognition after being named Emerging Player of the Tournament.

The tournament was held at Bruce Pulman Park in Auckland from September 4 to September 6.