On a wet and windy Saturday, the 1st XV faced Francis Douglas in the semi-final of the Central North Island competition. Francis Douglas started well and applied pressure early, forcing St Paul’s into errors. Francis Douglas pushed out to an early lead with two long range penalties. St Paul’s hit back with two penalties and a converted try to Josh Balme late in the first half. St Paul’s lead 13-9 at the break. In the second half St Paul’s enjoyed the benefit of a strong tail wind and most of the possession. After sustained pressure, Sal M’Boge scored in the left hand corner and late in the half a further try was added Samisoni and penalty to Ferg Burke to win the match 30-9. While the game was a close and tough encounter, St Paul’s were dominate throughout most of the match with strong defence and ball carrying.
The team looks forward to this week’s final against a very good Fielding 1st XV.
