Played at Kinross Main Oval the Independent Sporting Association division one grudge match was full of swings and roundabouts, and the home side looked likely to claim their first derby win since 2013 as they led 8-7 heading into the final five minutes.

They looked even more likely after Stannies five-eighth Ben Mitchell missed a reasonably straight-forward penalty goal attempt with just four minutes remaining.

But then Stannies won a penalty, and then another.

WATCH: Stannies' winger Kang Kang scores the match-winner before the school celebrates

Although Mitchell was one from three at that stage it was an easy chance and most expected the shot to come, but flanker Leo Ferguson took a quick tap instead and caught Kinross somewhat off guard.

Hearing the call from Kang on the blind halfback and skipper Cam Trengove produced a brilliant, pinpoint long ball from the base of the ruck, his winger bursting down the touchline before finishing acrobatically in the right corner.

Although it wasn't full-time the try sent the Stannies' faithful into raptures, and although Mitchell missed his attempt the navy and white hoops held on for the final 90 seconds to score a memorable victory.

"Instinct just kicked I think, I wasn't really thinking I just called for it because I saw an opportunity," Kang said after his side's celebrations died down.

"I'm just glad Cam gave it to me it was a really good pass. It was pretty cool to be able to score that try at the end there, it was an amazing win.

"Kinross scored late in that second half to go ahead again and I actually thought that might be it, I thought it wasn't our day but I'm glad we got ourselves back in it, it was a great win."

Although the first half of the game never reached any great heights performance wise as both sides battled with ball handling, it was a somewhat remarkable period nonetheless, that astonishingly finished nil-all.

Kinross' defensive effort in that opening half was phenomonal, at one stage repelling 26 consecutive phases on their line, Stannies' ball retention through that period equally as stunning before two blues skipper Will Smith won a crucial turnover.

There was two red cards as well, which left both sides down to 14 for the final 60 minutes of the game.

Stannies No.8 Camaeron Regan was given his marching orders after an ordinary, reckless off-the-ball spear on Kinross five-eighth Preston Simpson, who was red-carded at the same time after throwing a number of punches in retaliation.

Kinross' Alex Brien and Mitchell both missed penalty attempts in the opening half too, before Brien slotted one to finally give the scoreboard attendants something to do in the 44^th minute.

The two blues held that lead for 20 minutes too before Stannies flanker Joe Hanley found space from a pick and drive, Mitchell's conversion giving the Bathurst side a 7-3 lead with 15 to go.

WATCH: Stannies flanker Joe Henley picks his way to second-half try

Kinross had a number of chances and were repelled but Stannies' one defensive lapse in the second half looked to be decisive as two blues winger James Wilson latched onto an offload from a Liam Choi break to score in the 71^st minute.

Brien missed and while Stannies reeled in the resulting restart Kinross flanker Josh Dominello looked to have won his side the game after winning a speedy, crucial penalty for holding on.

It wasn't to be for the home side though, the more-experienced Stannies outfit keeping their heads and winning two penalties of their own which allowed Trengove and Kang to combine in their match-winning heroics.

But Kinross coach Huon Barrett remained pretty upbeat afterwards. Despite his troops cutting seriously dejected figures his message was simple after the game.

"That's rugby sometimes," he said.

"Sometimes you do all the hard work and it just doesn't fall your way. It's definitely disappointing but it is the first game of the season and it's a pretty good foundation to build from.

"We had chances we should've taken but Stannies' defence in the second half was very, very good, as was ours for the entire game."