For one of the few occasions this year the 1st XV took on Lindisfarne College on a dry and firm field. Despite the excellent conditions the team struggled to score points in the first half with silly penalties restricting our opportunities. It took until the 30mins to score our first try when Jackson Morgan scored from a powerful run. The two sides then traded penalties and at half time we had a 10-3 lead. Despite an early penalty from Burke the second half proved to be hard work as Lindisfarne lifted their game resulting in a converted try 10min into the half. With only 20mins to go St Paul’s had a narrow 13-10 lead. Lindisfarne continued to press hard but with only five minutes left on the clock St Paul’s scored a well worked try to Tom Yarrall to secure a 20-10 won. Victory meant we secured the Rick Francis Memorial Trophy (the Ranfurly shield of the CNI completion) for the first time. The win was sadden, unfortunately due to Alex Mitchell sustaining a season ending injury. Alex was in contention to make the New Zealand Secondary Schools side. Our thoughts are with Alex as he starts his recovery.
