Despite a wholehearted and dominant second half performance the 1st XV could not quite turn around a 24-0 first half deficit, losing 24-12 to Howick College in the opening game of the season.
The first half was a dogged battle of two competitive forward packs. Unfortunately when Sancta Maria College turned the ball over Howick pounced on the errors to score four tries. Howick also dominated the line outs throughout the match which deprived our backs of running opportunities.
The second half saw our forwards eventually gain control of possession and territory, with the play remaining in the Howick half for most of the final 30 minutes. However, opportunities to score were limited and it was not until the final ten minutes the Howick defence was at last broken and the try line crossed twice to reduce the deficit to twelve points.
If the team can take the effort and promise shown in the second half into their next game their should be better results ahead.
