Sun 17 Sep 2023, 12:00
Just for Fun: Match report
A little rushed due to watching the Fiji game and warming up for the England game!
Paviors U13’s V Southwell U13’s
Only three weeks into the new season and Pavs hosted Southwell at Burntstump for the first game of the season and the team’s first game of junior rugby. A good pre - season meant the side went into the game more prepared than previous years, unfortunately we had lost some players over the summer however strong recruitment and I’m led to believe some ‘Big’ contracts had been signed close to the transfer day deadline to ensure we had 16 players available for today’s game.
Alfie and Max’s contract negotiations have been finalised and they will be available for selection next week.
The pitch looked great and the fine weather promised a game of running rugby.
From the kick off Paviors showed their intent to play running rugby and looked to put Southwell under pressure, we maintained our shape well in the early stages and soon got on the scoreboard from a scrum close to the Southwell line following some great work by new signing and debutant Charlie W who tidied up some loose ball at the base of scrum, sniped down the blind side before popping the ball back inside to his grateful number 8 Finn to score.
Strong disciplined tackling and some good jackling at the ruck by both Jack and Evan soon resulted in further tries with Evan able to use his pace and elusive footwork to good effect.
Good work by the forwards ensured a good supply of ball with Charlie W distributing well to Harry allowing him to keep his backs moving with both Toby and Jack making good yards, unfortunately at times we rather over complicated things which led to some spilt ball.
Debutant Tristan packing down in the engine room made some good yards and always looked to keep the ball alive trying to offload to his Neanderthal colleagues with Alex S, H and Alex F always in close support to continue the move or ruck over and provide clean ball for our backs.
The larger pitch and warm weather began to take its toll and Southwell began to play their way back into the game, this change in momentum meant we had periods of time without the ball and our defence had to work very hard trying to keep Southwell at bay, some fine defensive work from Toby, Jenson and Joe at crucial times was vital in this regard.
When we did have the ball we felt compelled to try and force passes at times but once our forwards regained some composure and went back to running hard lines with Lewis and Finn to the fore. This provided our forwards with a target some good work at the rucks from Harrison and H allowed us to speed up the ball delivered to our backs and we began to get some of our shape in attack back, which allowed Charlie T to show his running ability.
Southwell continued to apply pressure on our try line and debutant Oscar put in the Paviors ‘hit’ of the day to deny them a try, ably supported in his defensive efforts again by Joe and Jenson.
Strong running from the front row pairing of Alex F and Alex S and good ruck technique from Tristan and Charlie T ensured we finished on the front foot and managed to hold out for the W.
Special mention again to all debutants (Oscar, that tackle!!!) but for me the absolute highlight of the game was the Southwell prop nearly going the length of the field, as a former ‘fatboy’ forward I nearly skipped with joy (good cover work Evan and Toby).
A winning start against a determined Southwell side is pleasing, what is more pleasing is the shape we want to play is beginning to show itself and we have plenty to work on as we look to build and improve upon this performance.
Dick of the day as ever goes to Finn, his woeful attempt to down his post match drink (Lemon & Lime!) has led to his grandfather and myself to demand a paternity test.
Tom Studholme
