The Timaru Boys' High School First XI football team has qualified for the premier national tournament after a 3-1 extra-time win over Cashmere High School.

Playing in Ashburton, TBHS were down 1-0 with five minutes left when midfielder Michael Hogan latched on to a good ball from Tom Deeley and buried it in the back of the net to equalise after Cashmere scored in the first half.

TBHS deserved to draw level having been unlucky in front of the goal with the woodwork denying them once, while another shot went over the crossbar and a one-on-one opportunity was wayward.

In extra time, TBHS dominated, with Devon Rooney scoring after the Cashmere keeper got an unlucky bounce while Deeley scored from a penalty after Hooper Kelly-Smith was brought down by the keeper.

The keeper had a second chance to save the Deeley penalty after a player wandered into the box the first time and it had to be taken again.

Deeley showed no nerves and drilled the ball in exactly the same spot to see his side through to the nationals.

Logan Williams was outstanding for TBHS, sweeping at the back.

TBHS coach Gary Ivamy was pleased with his team's performance and admitted it had been a hard road to qualify for the tournament, which showcases the top 32 school sides in New Zealand.

"This is the fifth game we had to play to qualify so it is pleasing but it has carried on our great efforts over the past four or five weeks."

Christchurch Boys' High and Shirley Boys' High will join Timaru at the nationals.

The tournament starts in Nelson in late August.

- © Fairfax NZ News

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