Well done team three from three bring on Grammar next Friday in Taupo

MATCH REPORT vs ST PAULS COLLEGIATE

Today saw the 1st XV host St Pauls Collegiate in the next stage of their pre-season program. Always an eagerly anticipated contest St Pauls are always tough opposition. With the weather closing in a keenly fought contest was anticipated.

From the kick-off the physicality was high and, with the tough conditions, defences were on top. Gradually PNBHS grew into the game, and they began to find holes in the St Pauls defence. Nehemiah Sua profited from some good attack shape to straighten and break the line before good interplay between him and Henry Speedy put Bradley Tocker over for the first score. PNBHS were in the ascendency now but the St Pauls defence held firm until a turnover at lineout saw the ball shifted quickly to Nehemiah Sua again and from a half break he put a kick in behind which was finished by Hunter Kennedy to extend the lead. St Pauls responded and put together a well-worked set piece try after PNBHS had failed to clear the lines.

The half time messaged focussed on cutting down St Pauls time and putting their attack under pressure while our attack focus was making sure we played in the right parts of the field by exiting well and just improving our ball security. We felt if we could put St Pauls under pressure then opportunities would come.

The second half started superbly. From the kick off the 1st XV put St Pauls under pressure and won a penalty. Off the resulting maul the ball was shifted to Jamie Viljoen who went close before a quick pick and go from Tevita Fakahau saw him crash over. Soon after a good exit and a kick chase saw Richie Schaaf charge down a kick and the ball was gathered and offloaded to Clark Sutcliffe who was dragged down just short, but the ball was quickly moved and Tevita Fakahau was over again to complete the scoring.

A pleasing performance from the group and a positive result against tough opposition saw the 1st XV secure the St Pauls Trophy for 2024. The team will now have a few days off before regrouping and traveling to Taupo next Friday to play Auckland Grammar

Final Score: PNBHS 1st XV 22 St Pauls Collegiate 1st XV 5

Scorers:

Tries: Bradley Tocker, Hunter Kennedy & Tevita Fakahau (2)

Conversions: Jamie Viljoen (1)