The 1st XV played Francis Douglas Memorial College on the weekend in the final of the Central North Island rugby competition.
St Paul’s started well, applying pressure, taking good kicking options, and with some strong running from the forwards. St Paul’s capitalized from this pressure with Tyrell Martian slotting two early penalties. Francis Douglas struck back with some excellent back play stretching St Paul’s to score a well worked try, converting it to take a 7-6 lead.
St Paul’s continued to play their hard style of physical rugby, the pressure eventually turning into more points when Tom Yarrall crossed for an excellent try, stepping through fleeting tackles of Francis Douglas players. Hard hitting forward Shniel Singh barged over a try before the break also. St Paul’s took a 20-7 half time lead, but were turning to face a strong wind in the 2nd half.
The second half started well for St Paul’s with some excellent line breaks from inside backs Kip Facwett and Asipeli Mafua’taimi keeping the pressure on Francis Douglas. Samisoni scored the first of this two trys, after more pressure, and 2nd soon after and St Paul’s looked to have the game wrapped up. Shniel was then yellow carded for lifting a player in the tackle. Francis Douglas battered the St Paul’s line for an extended period, with St Paul’s showing excellent character in defense. Eventually Francis Douglas crossed for a try. St Paul’s finished strongly and were unlucky not to score again. Running out winners 32-14. A well-deserved title for the 1st XV after completing an unbeaten run through the entire Centeral North Island competition. The boys play Hamilton Boys High this weekend to decide the Waikato representative for the national top 4 title.
