This blustery game was played on a predominately sunny day in Hillcrest, on a muddy pitch.

St Pauls, who end the preliminary round of the season undefeated, had a really ‘tough’ match and 2 of their 3 tries were against the run of play.

During the first half, Hillcrest didn’t make full use of the strong wind at their backs and only scored a penalty, kicked by Liam Eldridge, to be down 3 – 14 at the break.

During the second half and although St Pauls made better use of the strong wind at their backs, they only scored an unconverted try

The final score was 19 – 3 to St Pauls.

Hillcrest finish the preliminary round in 4th place and now travel to play Putaruru, who they have a “1 win 1 loss” to this season, to decide the final 3rd & 4th placings.

Mark Eldridge