The Terriers beat the Paladins 32-25 in the regular season on 3 October 2026. It was another tight contest between two sides that have been trading results all autumn. The visitors held their nerve when it mattered and took all three points.
The game opened with both teams feeling each other out. The Paladins started with intent, but their attack lacked the sharpness that had served them against the Bears earlier in the month. The Terriers, meanwhile, found their rhythm gradually, working possession and testing the opposition defence.
By the halfway stage the Terriers had pulled ahead. A series of set pieces and careful field position work gave them the advantage they needed. The Paladins pushed back hard, but they could not find the breakthrough they required. They paid for a sloppy opening and spent the rest of the match chasing the game.
The Terriers sealed the win in the final quarter. They controlled the clock and limited the Paladins to only one genuine scoring opportunity in the closing minutes. The defence held firm when the pressure mounted and saw out the remaining time without incident.
The result extends the Terriers' improving form. They have won three of their last five matches, including this one. The Paladins dropped another contest after the victory over the Trojans. They now face a run of fixtures that will test their resolve.
The scoreline does not tell the full story. Both teams had chances, but the Terriers converted when it counted. The Paladins will need to address their defensive lapses if they want to climb the table. By then they will have another chance to put things right.
