There is a long road to travel to get to a final. Teams are selected late summer ,players develop combinations and slowly a team begins to form. Coaches refine game plans and players skills. A team begins to gel.
Our journey started with the Chiefs competition and we learnt from encounters against Hamilton Boys, Tauranga Boys, Wesley College and St John’s ( Hamilton).
The Central North Island Competition now in its second year is a closely contested competition. We won against St John’s( Hasting), Rathkeale, Wanganui and our neighbours St Peters Cambridge and drew with Lindisfarne. Feilding beat us in our last regular game but we had done enough to meet Francis Douglas in New Plymouth.
St Pauls v Francis Douglas - Central North Island Final
In fine conditions St Paul’s and Francis Douglas squared off before the start with stirring haka’s. A challenge was issued by each.
St Paul’s made a nervous start but was organized in defence and with stood several good Francis Douglas attacks. Twenty minutes in and Francis Douglas scored out wide with their fast outside backs. St Paul’s replied with a display of forward power with the final drive over by Samisoni Tae’kohi and converted Arjun Singh.
Three minutes before half time Francis Douglas converted a penalty to lead at the break by 8 points to 7 .
After half time St Paul’s turned up the heat and dominated for the first 15 minutes. A try close to the posts by Aaron Cleland as a result of a combined backs and forwards attack. Arjun Singh added the conversion.
Francis Douglas replied with a penalty and St Paul’s with a converted try. Aaron Crow intercepted a pass from a promising Francis Douglas attack and was in under the posts. Arjun Singh converted.
Score 21 St Paul’s - Francis Douglas 11 points with 15 minutes to go.
Francis Douglas through plenty of variety at St Paul’s. Kicking with the wind or distributing the ball to their outside backs and taking several late long range penalty’s. There valiant rally produced two late converted tries.
Final score Francis Douglas 25 - St Pauls 21.
After the final whistle a disappointed and proud St Paul’s took several minutes to reflect. We played in a fantastic game with spirit, fair play and passion. Captain Caleb Lingman lead his St Paul’s team to congratulate Francis Douglas. Each schools teamwork and skill was there for all to see.
Well done St Pauls 1st XV
