On paper the 1st XV had a comfortable 28-3 win against Francis-Douglas College from New Plymouth. However, the reality was much different with many of the team finding it the fastest game they had played all year. Francis-Douglas has a rich rugby pedigree and the game was always likely to be tough despite Francis Douglas not having quite the same firepower they have had in recent years.
After absorbing an initial onslaught St Paul’s settled into their work quickly and were rewarded with a try to Tom Yarrall after only 10mins. The rest of the half saw St Paul’s continue to dominate and when Samisoni Taukeiaho crashed over we had a comfortable 15-3 lead going into the break.
At this stage it looked like the flood gates would open but Francis Douglas fought hard and the second half proved to be a very even affair with both sides having scoring chances. However, it was St Paul’s who were to score with Samisoni scoring his second with ten minutes remaining. This would prove to be the last points scored in the giving St Paul’s a 28-3 win.
Ferg Burke continued his impressive kicking record slotting three penalties and two conversions.
