Paviors RFC

This weekend Paviors took on Dronfield RUFC in the final of the Notts, Lincs and Derbyshire Cup.

On a beautifully sunny evening at Kelham Road, it was Pavs who dominated the first fifteen minutes, playing with a good deal of style and no little confidence. Speedy flanker Josh Flanagan finished a fine sweeping backs movement and with the George Billam extras gave Pavs the lead at 7-0.  Minutes later, highly talented winger and product of the Pavs Academy system, Noah Bhatia, danced around his opponent to touch down to give Pavs the lead of 12-0. Billam then converted a penalty to put Pavs further in front at 15-0. Not to be outdone, Dronfield fought their way back with two tries of their own in the remaining minutes of the half and in so doing narrowed Pavs lead to 15-12 at the break.

After half time, Pavs made a number of changes, introducing Dan Hyams, Jim Reeson and Nathan Jones to the battle upfront. George Billam added a further penalty to extend Pavs lead to 18-12. Dronfield then again struck back and finished a period of pressure with a well taken try to put them in the lead at 19-18. Jonty Green and Alex Barton were added to the back line effort. With fifteen minutes left, Pavs knew they had to step up to the plate in order to take the game. A newly restored Bhatia, cleverly intercepted a Dronfield loose pass, before winning the race to the line and touching down to give Pavs back the lead at 25-19. Fellow Pavs Academy graduate, Danny Green entered the fray in the centre and gave Pavs a boost in energy and an immaculate pass to Alex Barton to run in and extend Pavs lead to 30-19. Dronfield threw everything into bringing themselves back into contention. With Phil Eggleshaw leaving the field on a second yellow, Pavs continued to battle hard to maintain their lead. Dronfield narrowed the lead to 30-26 with minutes left. Pavs had to defend bravely and were immensely relieved when the official finally signalled the end of the game with them 30-26 in front and newly crowned NLD cup winners.

The has been a season of all seasons for the squad. Not only has it been the longest season, but also one in which they have had to travel extraordinary distances to play in the Northern rather than the Midlands league. On the plus side, Pavs continue to refresh the side, introducing Academy graduates like Noah Bhatia, Danny Green and Dan Hodges just to mention three. A real strength of the squad has always been its togetherness, it is clear to see that despite the trials and tribulations of the season the squad are just as “tight” as they have ever been. They are a wonderful group of young men who not only enjoy each other’s company, but are also immensely welcoming to all. To the older and more taciturn fraternity (like myself) they are a pleasure to associate with!!!  One must also mention the work of outgoing head coach, Nathan Eggleshaw. He has worked tirelessly to develop the club over more than a ten year period and the first coach to take the 1st XV to Level 5 in recent memory. He will still be taking an active role with the Under 14s and will no doubt be keeping a weather eye on the 1st XV, this time from the bar as opposed to the sometimes stressful environs of the pitch side technical area. Brother Phil Eggleshaw has slipped seamlessly into his seat and has already began to work with the squad and developing it in his own style. So the toughest 8 months or so for everyone concerned. Through it the squad have always shown temerity and good humour no matter the circumstances. Four wins from six games and a trophy to boot does much to boost squad confidence as they look forward to the new season. Onwards and upwards …. !!

Starters

Allen, Wells, Baldry, Pritchard, Collier, Taylor O, Flanagan (1 try), Alton-Smith, Flint, Billam G (2 pens, 2 conv), Hatton, Eggleshaw P, Rimmington, Bhatia (2 tries) Molyneux.

Finishers

Green D (65mins), Green J (45 mins), Barton (45 mins, 1 try), Reeson (42 mins), Jones (42 mins), Hodges (72 mins), Hyams (42 mins)

Man Of The Match - Noah Bhatia

Forward Of The Match - Josh Flanagan 

Nigel Youl