Rugby Results May 2011
St Paul’s v Cambridge High School –
May 28th, 2011
As expected, Cambridge HS provided strong opposition. They were aggressive at the breakdown and used the ball that they won, well, especially through their backs.
In the first half, St Paul’s played to a game plan that made use of the blindside. While this meant that some of the opportunities that presented themselves on the open weren’t taken, it was good to see how playing the blindside worked in a game, as it is very hard to simulate at practice.
An even first half ended with Cambridge scoring a late try. This gave them a 7-5 lead going into the break. Our try was scored by Aaron Crow, who did well to finish a counter attack from the back by Josh Fawcett.
We changed our game plan in the second half. The forwards were asked to blow past the ball at the breakdowns, and the backs to straighten up, and move the ball wide. Overall this worked well, with the forwards providing good ball for the backs, which meant they were able to make a number of strong breaks and keep the pressure on Cambridge HS. This pressure resulted in two good tries, one to Jonty Rae, and the other to Hadley (Billy Slater) May.
The final score was 15-7 to St Paul’s (3 tries to 1) and while the score was close, St Paul’s were certainly the better team on the day.
Player of the Day – Josh Tye
St Paul’s 1st XV versus Cambridge High School
May 28th, 2011
As expected, Cambridge HS provided strong opposition. They were aggressive at the breakdown and used the ball that they won, well, especially through their backs.
In the first half, St Paul’s played to a game plan that made use of the blindside. While this meant that some of the opportunities that presented themselves on the open weren’t taken, it was good to see how playing the blindside worked in a game, as it is very hard to simulate at practice.
An even first half ended with Cambridge scoring a late try. This gave them a 7-5 lead going into the break. Our try was scored by Aaron Crow, who did well to finish a counter attack from the back by Josh Fawcett.
We changed our game plan in the second half. The forwards were asked to blow past the ball at the breakdowns, and the backs to straighten up, and move the ball wide. Overall this worked well, with the forwards providing good ball for the backs, which meant they were able to make a number of strong breaks and keep the pressure on Cambridge HS. This pressure resulted in two good tries, one to Jonty Rae, and the other to Hadley (Billy Slater) May.
The final score was 15-7 to St Paul’s (3 tries to 1) and while the score was close, St Paul’s were certainly the better team on the day.
Player of the Day – Josh Tye
St Paul's 2nd XV versus Taumaranui
May 28th 2011
It was a hard fought battle which not only tested St Paul’s composure but also put their attacking play and defensive play under pressure. An early try by Taumarunui showed that they were hungry for a win and were going to push, shove and grunt their way through to get points on the board. A penalty kick by Harry Larkman put St Paul’s on the board but Taumarunui crossed again before St Paul’s came back running in tries by Josh Coventry and Eoin Miles.
The second half was much of the same with Taumarunui scoring another try and taking the lead.
With less than five minutes to play William Cooper crossed the line, converted by Harry Larkman and St Paul’s were strong enough to hold off Taumarunui taking the game 20-19.
St Paul’s 3rd XV v St Peter’s
May 28th, 2011
On Saturday may 28th, the St Paul’s 3rd XV played St Peter’s 2 XV. The final score was 19-67 to St Pater’s
Highlights of the game included all of the spectacular tries St Paul’s scored but most vividly the first one. Off a penalty the 13 man line out was set up. The ball was then fed out to Matt Seton who ran through three defenders to score.
Other point scorers were Luke Balin-McCarthy and James Hogg with a try each and Reece Franklin and Jacob Barber with a conversion each.
Matt Seton was the player of the match (trading in his golf clubs for some head gear) for making a 90 metre dash to execute a try saving tackle.
St Pauls’ U14 v Te Awamutu
May 28th, 2011
Playing Te Awamutu at Te Awamutu is always a big challenge. The St Paul’s backs failed to play the game plan in the first ten minutes, which was to kick for the yellow corner so that the opposition looked directly into the sun. By running the ball in their own 22 St Paul’s gifted Te Awamutu two tries.
When St Paul’s kicked they were able to camp in Te Awamutu territory and were rewarded with a good try. Joel Taylor's conversion was also good, but the referee judged that it was too high even though both touch judges raised their flags in St Paul’s favour.
The second half was going to be a tough ask, and St Paul’s probably played their last 'get out of jail card' for a narrow 22-19 win.
Tries were scored by Arjun Singh, Joel Taylor and Adam Ballantyne (2). Joel had one conversion.
Our player of the day was Dillon Kelliher who kicked, linked, and ran brilliantly from full back.
St Paul’s Under 16’s v St John’s
May 28th, 2011
St John’s had beaten St Paul’s by 16 points three weeks earlier so this game would be a measure of our progress.
From the kick off St Paul’s were under pressure. Six phases were defended until we forced a knock on. The game developed into an even encounter with most of the play happening between the 22’s. Baxter MacKay kicked a penalty and then St John’s replied with a slick backline movement to score in the corner to lead 5-3.
As the opposition defense was rushing our ball, Baxter chipped into space behind their backline. Great following up and a skilled pick up saw Creighton Winiata-Dunster score. St Paul’s lead 8-5 at the break.
St John’s dominated the second half and St Paul’s had to withstand attack after attack. Their defense was resolute. St John’s broke through only once to score.
With two minutes to go and down 12-8 St Paul’s finally got some attacking ball inside St John’s 22. Seven forward drives were defended but St Paul’s then spun the ball wide. Tom Smith cut back and beat 3 defenders to score between the posts. Baxter converted.
The final score was 15-12. A great result based on strong defense and a never give in attitude.
Most valuable players were Hamish Burt, Brodie Rennie and Tom Smith
St Paul’s Hedgehogs Black v Morrinsville
May 28th, 2011
We were all determined to get a win this week as we worked on our weaknesses at training. But missed tackles and lack of possession led to the score being 39-0 at half time.
In the second half, missed tackles were still a problem and the forwards couldn’t gather any ball. In the end Morrinsville took off leaving us with many things still needing work on at training.
A great game and gusty tackling from Matthew Bailey and Mark Bradford.
Final score was 90-0 to Morrinsville.
Witten by Tom Schicker
St Paul’s 1st XV vs Tokoroa High School
21 May 2011
After such a great effort the previous Saturday against Hamilton Boys High School, it was always going to be a big ask for the team to lift to the same level again this week.
Although there was lots of endeavour, a number of dropped passes by both the backs and the forwards and the negativity of the opposition who were intent on just stopping us score, meant the game lacked continuity and became quite frustrating to play in and watch at times.
There were three tries scored in each half. The first half tries were good individual efforts by Hadleigh May, Alistair Bayly and Graydon Scheres, with Hadleigh running 55m to score his. In the second half it took until the last 15mins before Angus Williams, Aaron Elliot, and Robbie Leon Guerrero, were able to covert the constant pressure in to points with a try each.
Good defence from the whole team and constant pressure at set piece time by the forwards meant Tokoroa never looked like scoring.
With only 2 of the 6 tries being converted the final score was 34-nil to St Paul’s.
Next week the 1st XV will face a big challenge from Cambridge High School who narrowly lost to St Peters, 11-8 last Saturday.
St Paul’s Collegiate School 2nd XV vs Putaruru College 1st XV
21 May 2011
Half Time 0-0 Full Time 7-7
Saturday’s match against Putaruru College first XV was a low scoring affair. Throughout the match St Paul’s Collegiate showed flashings of the good attacking play they are capable of but they failed to convert this into points.
It took 55 minutes for any points to be put on the board before Putaruru ran in a try off the back of a scrum 10 metres out from our try line and converted it easily. St Paul’s managed to maintain their composure and responded just before full time with a great try by James Dyke and an outstanding conversion from Harry Larkmin. With only a few minutes to play they were unable to add any further points to the tally before the full time whistle leaving it 7 apiece.
Overall the match was marred with turnovers at the breakdown and highlighted the work needed on fitness so that St Paul’s can attack and defend well for a full 70 minutes, something that they’ll be working on in the coming weeks.
St Paul's 1st XV vs HBHS 1st XV
Click an image to enlarge
St Paul’s under 16 vs Te Awamutu
21 May 2011
Perhaps it was the early morning start but the Colts struggled in the first ten minutes to create any opportunities. A lack of teamwork and fluency was evident. However an intercept try from Creighton Winiata-Dunster from half way sparked the team into life. The forwards began to dominate set play winning a number of lineouts and scrums from opposition ball. This allowed the backs to attack and move the ball to the wings. A great chip kick by Baxter MacKay was collected by Creighton and he scored again – the half time score was 14 – 0
Further tries to Sam Bowley and Todd Barry were scored in the second half. Baxter had a 100% kicking rate landing 4 conversions and a penalty.
The final score was 31 – 0. There were many pleasing aspects of the game but there is also plenty to work on.
St Paul’s Hedgehogs A vs HBHS U55 A
21 May 2011
After last week’s close result against the Hedgehogs B team, we knew this game wouldn’t be any easier.
Boys High got off to a good start scoring a quick try in the corner. With lack of defense on St Paul’s behalf the score was 25-0 at half time.
After half time the team was determined to get points on the board, but holes in the defensive line and basic errors led to Boys high continually scoring.
The team got a penalty on our 22 and a quick tap spun wide which led to the hands of Hamish Te Whare. After stepping and fending his way through defense he dived over the line and scored.
The final score was 73-5 to Boys High.
The team was disappointed with the result but only had 5 people playing in their normal positions because of 7 people being sick. The team still has a lot to work on.
Gutsy performances from Seaton Mason, Sal M’Boge and Dean Fullerton.
St Paul’s Under 14 v St John’s College
21 May 2011
Practice makes perfect. Mr Morton and Mr Luman would have been thrilled at the progress made in scrummaging and action at the breakdown, especially from those boys new to the game of rugby.
First half tries were scored by Riley Chick, Tyrel Martin, Dion Kelliher and Schneil Singh, however St John’s mounted a strong comeback both sides of half time. The second half game plan was to play the black (left) zone and we were rewarded with a try to half back Liam Jackson. Centres Shneil and Arjun gave lots of go forward ball and at times functioned like extra forwards. Schneil scored a great try in the yellow (right) zone. The team defended their goal line with great determination.
Final score 34-15 to St Paul's.
Our player of the day was team captain Adam Ballantyne, who led from the front all day.
St Paul’s 1st XV vs HBHS 1st XV
May 14, 2011
HBHS opted to play into the wind in the first half, therefore, they had to run the ball out from their own half but they were met by a strong St Paul’s defensive line. The St Paul’s forwards and backs worked tirelessly at the break down to hinder the opposition and the team was rewarded for their efforts from a penalty close to the 22m after six minutes due HBHS ruck infringement. Jonty Rae was given the honours to kick the successful penalty goal.
After 15 minutes HBHS scored a soft try from a St Paul’s scrum inside their 22. The score was 3- 7 to HBHS. A few minutes later HBHS scored from St Paul’s lineout located 7m from HBHS score line. The HBHS flanker collected an over thrown ball from the lineout to run 80m and then pass to the first five to score in the corner. Unfortunately in the following minutes Lachlan Cooper and Hadleigh May missed scoring opportunities – both were cut short by a few centimeters. HBHS scored once again in the corner from a lineout in the 27th minute. St Paul’s came back but could not finish off their opportunities due to great defensive effort from HBHS and St Paul’s mistakes.
The half time score 3-17 to HBHS. The score line was not a true reflection of the game.
After the team talk from the coaches at half time, the team refocused and came out firing. St Paul’s scored 14 unanswered points and were very unlucky not to score more. Hadleigh May and Hamish Mahon scored the tries due to the forwards winning good clean ball, the backs running straight to break through the strong HBHS defensive line. Both tries were converted by Jonty Rae. The score was 17 all half way through the second half. However, HBHS kicked into another gear; with HBHS second five scoring a brilliant individual try, breaking through a number of tackles to score under the posts. St Paul’s fought back into the game but failed to get the ball down over the score line in view of the referee. In the last minute HBHS scored a try to win the game 29-17.
The Coaching staff were very proud of the 1st XV and what they have achieved in the past two weeks and their performance on Saturday. They played in the black jersey with commitment, courage, and purpose. Hopefully the team can build on their achievements from the weekend in the Waikato Competition. The season starts next week against a very good Cambridge 1st XV and a to defend the Tricolor Trophy.
The team was well led by Hadleigh May who received the “player of the day “from the Sky commentators. This award normally goes to a player in the winning team.
An outstanding effort!
The team and management would like to thank you for your great support on Saturday.
St Paul’s 2nd XV vs Forest View High School
May 14, 2011
Half time 10-5 Full time 10-32
Saturday’s match against Forest View was certainly a game of two halves. The first half belonged to St Paul’s. Forest View seemed completely unawares and on the back foot and St Paul’s showed what they were capable of strong attacking play, good set piece and two well-constructed tries brought in by Malcolm Lumen and Aaron Cleland.
In the second half Forest View came out hungry and determined to show the speed, fitness and agility they possessed. Whilst St Paul’s continued to attack well when given the opportunity, our defence was lacking and we were unable to ward off the five tries that Forest View romped in during the second half.
Aaron Cleland had a strong all round game.
Rugby U55 v HBHS
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Rugby U16 v HBHS
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St Paul’s 3rd XV vs. Huntly 1st XV
May 14, 2011
Conditions were perfect to continue on from the perfect start to the season. The opposition members, Huntly 1st XV, were much larger than us, however the St Paul’s backs were taking it to them, controlling the first half.
St Paul’s went into the half time break with a 10 – 5 advantage. Many substitutions were made at half time and unfortunately the momentum from the first half was not pulled through to the second. Tackles were missed which led to opposition tries, with the final score a 21-10 loss.
This was still a solid effort for a social 3rds team, against a much larger 1st XV side.
Player of the match went to Roydon Nutsford for some tantilising breaks.
St Paul’s Under 16A vs HBHS
May 14, 2011
Despite a nervous start, St Paul’s began to dominate after 10 minutes. The line out and scrum were operating effectively providing great ball for the backs to attack. Tries to Brody Rennie, Callum Brown and Tom Schicker all converted by Baxter MacKay saw St Paul’s go to the break with a 21 – 10 lead.
St Paul’s never let HBHS back into the game in the second half. Playing attractive rugby St Paul’s scored three more tries to Tom Schicker, Creighton Winiata-Dunster and Sam Bowley – along with two conversions and a penalty.
The final score was 43 – 10.
A great team effort.
St Paul’s U14A vs Te Awamutu
May 14, 2011
The Under 14's had a good game against Te Awamutu in the weekend. St Paul’s forwards need to get a lot fitter but the backs performed well with the ball they got.
Captain Adam Ballantyne opened the scoring with a try. Other try scorers were Shneil Singh, Dillon Kelliher and Tyrell Martin. Joel Taylor had his kicking boots on with three conversions.
Te Awamutu came back to level the score at 24 all but Tyrell Martin virtually stepped through the whole opposition to score a brilliant try.
The final score was 31-27 and St Paul's player of the day was Tyrell Martin.
St Paul’s Hedgehogs Black vs Hamilton Boys High U55’s B
May 14, 2011
Report by Jack Schicker – Year 9
Hamilton Boys High got an early try with their No 8 expectantly running blind off the scrum with missed tackles making it easy for them to get through the St Paul’s defense and score. This try was not converted.
With simple errors and wrong decisions the score climbed to 17-0 to Boys High at half time.
St Paul’s came back strong in the second half getting lots of opportunities to score but once again errors turned out to be fatal. With HBHS getting a couple more tries, St Paul’s were determined to get some points on the board. With a last minute try under the posts from Liam Hunter, which was easily converted by Dominic Belfield, it left the final score at 29-7 to Boys High with gutsy performances from Seaton Mason, Dominic Belfield and Brad Hermson.
St Paul’s learnt a lot from this game and has identified things we can work on which will hopefully help us in the future.