The Palmerston North side had driven up earlier in the day and were billeted by the team.
Game day brought with it some awful weather but luckily the storm that blew through 30 minutes before kick-off stopped as the whistle blew. The heavy underfoot conditions and the three-week holiday break took its toll on the King’s College First XV, who started very slowly.
Palmerston North had stretched out to a half-time lead of 15-3. A further try to them early in the second half had King’s down 22-3.
Finally, there was a change in attitude and the King’s forward pack, who had been pushed around for most of the game, decided to front and gained some valuable front foot ball. The King’s backs were also finally able to get the ball wide and create some pressure, pressure that the opposition was not able to absorb.
King’s scored three unanswered tries to Edward Vaeau-Mulitalo, Takaji Young Yen and Jamie Spowart, all converted by Ciarahn Matoe. A penalty by Ciarahn Matoe had the final score at 27-22.
A valiant second half effort that will set the tone for the level of performance needed in the last three games of the season as the team tries to secure a semi-final.
