Thank you to the boarders and parents for accomodating billets on Friday night. Your hospitality was greatly appreciated by Rathkeale and St Paul's teams.
Rathkeale College was our first opponent and our first game at home in the Central North Island competition.
St Paul's controlled the game for long periods during the first half through determined forward runs and attacking back play. Rathkeale counter attacked, smothering St Pauls’s defence caused them to spill the ball. A quick response at the break down resulted in a try under the posts for Aaron Crow.
St Paul's tight five again scrummed well and with accurate lineout work lead by Jaden Verryt. St Paul's backs combined well and the team scored twice more before the half time break. Tries by Kyle Dean and Samisoni Taukei'aho. Halftime St Pauls 19 Rathkeale 0.
Rathkeale came a back with tenacity using the wind well, kicking deep into the corners and continuing to apply pressure. St Paul's were penalised on several occasions.
The saying "When the going gets tough- the tough get going" epitomised the contribution by Thomas Gordon. He was quick to the breakdown, strong over the ball and as a result turned the ball over in St Paul's favour several times. Aaron Cleland, Hamish Burt and, in particular, Sam Bowley made strong runs.
The second half saw Connor Fullerton and Kyle Dean leave the paddock with we hope only minor injuries. Chris Fawcett moved into halfback and Ajun Singh to first five. Rhodri McKenzie returned to the wing showing his technique and strength in the tackle.
Late in the game St Paul's field position improved after a good forward drive the backs wide attack allowed Asipeli Mafuataimi to inject some pace in for a well worked team try.
My play of the day was the ability to stop a very promising Rathkeale attack and St Paul’s reply. Aaron Crow cleaned out after a tackle. The ball was secured by Thomas Gordon and Trent Collingwood. Connor Fullerton cleared the ruck quickly to James Hunt who kicked 30 metres with only a slight angle to work with. Clear thinking and skill made a difficult task look easy. Well done players
Well done team
MVP- Thomas Gordon 3 points, Sam Bowley 2 points and Rhodri McKenzie 1 point
