After their resounding win last week the 1st XV were keen to put in another good performance against Rathkeale College from Masterton. Yet, the first 15 minutes belonged to Rathkeale with St Paul’s struggling to get their hands on the ball and when they did, the ball was inevitable spilt. However, Rathkeale started to struggle with the size and pace of St Paul’s mid way through the half and tries began to flow. At half time the score was a commanding 26-0 to St Paul’s. In the second half the boys picked up their performance somewhat but were still guilty of making too many unforced errors. Unnecessary off loads were attempted when either passing before the line or taking the tackle would have been better options. Despite this the team scored five more tries in the second half for a comfortable 59-0 win.
Special mention must be made of Asipeli Mafuataimi who scored four tries and looked dangerous every time he got the ball. Ferg Burke also kicked brilliantly in tricky conditions to convert 7 of the teams nine tries.
Try scores were: Asipeli (four), Ferg Burke (two), Samisoni Tau’keiaho, Jackson Morgan and Sal M’Boge.
