by St Paul's Collegiate School

CNI crunch time as 1st XV took on St Peter's

Saturday, 6 July was always circled on the calendar – this was the date the 1st XV played local rivals St Peter’s School, Cambridge.

This game meant a lot for both teams as St Peter’s beat St Paul’s twice in 2018, the game was televised live on Sky Sport 1, valuable CNI competition points were up for grabs, and the inaugural Jed Rowlands Cup - a new trophy named after former St Paul's, and current St Peter's staff member, Mr Jed Rowlands - was on the line.

After a very impressive introduction and school Haka lead by St Paul’s students, the stage was set. The team knew a strong start was vital, and strong set piece laid the early foundation for Declan O’Sullivan to score the first try.

Image by: St Paul's Collegiate School

Soon after Tepaea Cook-Savage was able to drive the team to the right part of the field where Lincoln Winter crossed for the second try of the match.

Possession was key and after St Peter’s infringed at the breakdown, a penalty kick for touch was put right into the corner where Malachi Wrampling-Alec was able to ride a successful lineout drive all the way over for the third try of the game. 19-0 was the halftime score and the crowd was loving the game.

St Peter’s started the second half with increased intensity, and after St Paul’s were unable to exit, St Peter’s responded with a try of their own.

Image by: St Paul's Collegiate School

The St Paul’s team came together and knew they had to answer quickly. Soon after Temple Beauchamp sliced through the defence and Havila Molia was able to finish a great team try. Momentum was then with the home team and passes were able to stick and the razzle-dazzle started to come out, tries to Campbell Robb, Havila Molia, Mattheus Pio and Lachie Crean completed a performance the team was very proud of.

The final score for the game was 50-12 to St Paul’s.

Team management would like to thank everyone who showed support on this day and especially the student body. The school Haka was amazing and made us all very proud to be a part of St Paul's.

Man of the Match: Temple Beauchamp 

Rugby Union 1st XV TV profile | St Pauls Collegiate School St Paul's Collegiate School
St Paul's 1st XV v St Peter's - 2019 CNI game HIGHLIGHTS | St Pauls Collegiate School Sky Sport