On Saturday the 1st XV took on arch rivals Hamilton Boys. The game was played in terrible conditions with constant rain and a heavy field. Despite the conditions both teams attempted to use the ball and an excellent game resulted. St Paul’s got off to a great start with a try to Blake Wilson after a charge down. Hamilton Boys hit back quickly though, with a try in the corner. A Ferg Burke penalty and one to Hamilton Boys meant that the teams entered half time locked up at 8 all.
As conditions worsened in the second half scoring became more and more difficult. Unfortunately, though St Paul’s conceded a try after 10mins after an excellent break by the Hamilton Boys halfback. The conversion was successful which gave Hamilton Boys a commanding 15-8 lead. St Paul’s continued to make much of the play and were awarded with two kickable penalties. Ferg Burke and Dillon Kelliher duly obliged to make the game 15-14 with 10mins to play. Despite a massive effort St Paul’s couldn’t penetrate the Hamilton Boys defence and the game ended with an agonising 15-14 loss. The team should feel very proud to have got so close to Hamilton Boys, who in the last five or so years have been the most successful rugby school in the country.
This Saturday there is no rugby due to Queens Birthday. The following Saturday the 1st XV start their Central North Island competition with a game against St John’s Hastings at St Paul’s.
