A number of Old Paulines, spanning several decades of Pauline Rugby, met for lunch in The Bridge pub prior to Saturday’s fixture against Dulwich College some 130 years on from the first match between the two schools. The matches were played in crisp, dry and bright conditions and the 1st XV game turned out to be thrilling and ended with a result which warmed up the home spectators.
James Blurton, 1st XV coach and mi/c Rugby writes:
‘Dulwich started the better of the two sides, crossing the line after 5 minutes following an excellent break form the Dulwich 8. St Paul’s, however, grew into the game and slowly took control. Dulwich conceded successive penalties which gave St Paul’s the lead 6-5. Despite further St Paul’s pressure in the second half, a Dulwich attack resulted in a penalty to make the game 6-8 with 15 minutes to go. St Paul’s then dispatched an excellent team try with Jack Taylor crossing in the corner. The try was a converter but, with 5 minutes still to play, the game could be won by either team at 13-8. However, St Paul’s finished the game on the offence and in the last play James Beverley converted a drop goal to seal the victory, 16-8: a great game, to mark the 130th anniversary of the fixture’.
After the game, OPs were given a tour of the newly built school with match tea to follow.