The 1st Eleven played a crucial National Qualifier against Rotorua Boys High on Thursday. Needing a win to keep their slim chances of qualification alive, they started hesitantly and were fortunate not to go behind early in the game because of passive defending at set pieces . Once they found their rhythm however, they were simply too good for their opposition. The slick passing of the Saints saw them dominate the game with 75% possession. This possession led to innumerable goal scoring opportunities that were not converted. As is so often the case in football , when this does not happen the opposition score completely against the run of play. With 10 minutes to go Rotorua scored from a corner; this came as a consequence of more innocuous St Paul’s defending. With 5 minutes remaining it was left to Josh Cave to gain redemption for the Saints. This he did when his blistering pace saw him burst onto a through ball and tuck the ball into the corner. St Paul’s can still make the Nationals if they beat Cambridge on Monday. To do so they must convert their chance and defend as if their lives depend on it. In other words, they must be Saints in the true sense of the word!!!
