Paviors RFC

This weekend Pavs travelled to table topping Bournville RFC in round 10 of the Midlands Premier competition. Bournville have brought together a top quality side who have remained undefeated throughout this current season as well as conceding on average just eight points a game. Accordingly,any team visiting the Avery Road side were sure to face the stiffest of challenges.  

From the kick off Bournville attacked with power, pace and intensity. Pavs were immediately under pressure and found themselves playing without the ball. Bournville went in for three tries in the first ten minutes and took a 19-0 lead. It is not in Pavs psyche to roll over, however, and five minutes later they were able to secure some ball and spiritedly attack the Bournville line. A series of penalties followed which ended with the Bournville number 6 going for a ten minuterest. Scrum half Jonty Green saw his opportunity and cleverly sneaked in without being touched to get Pavs on the scoreboard at 19-5. At this stage of the game the scoring assumed a tit for tat quality with Bournville scoring, swiftly followed by Phil Eggleshaw for Pavs. Another for Bournville and then hooker Kieran Wells rounded off the scoring for the half with the score at 33-15 to the home side.

After the break, Bournville set off in similar fashion to the first half. A quick score followed to extend their lead to 38-15 before Alex Barton again struck back to narrow the lead to 33-22. Unfortunately, Pavs then conceded another three tries in a ten minute period, including two highly skilful cross kicks executed by the Bournville fly half, to draw the lead out to 57-22. Still Pavs did not lay down. Doug Billam finished off a fine sweeping move by both backs and forward to again the narrow the lead to 57-39. Pavs tried to keep running the ball as the clock wound down, but an unlucky bounce from a chip kick with the field open allowed the home side to take the victory at 64-29.

So Pavs left Birmingham with five tries and a bonus point against a realty strong side who are clearly destined for National Two rugby next season. As a side Pavs have continued to put in 100 per cent every week and this game was no exception. One of the strongest positives this weekend, however, is the fact that in this world where loyalty often comes at a price Pavs fielded seventeen players who have come through the Junior setup. Some have been away touniversity and returned whilst others have moved back into the area and also returned. The unifying factor is that Pavs remains a genuine family club for all ages and abilities, from, “Little Ruggers” to the 1st xv. This fact serves to underpin the reasons why the 1st xv are such a close unit. A unit that sticks together through thick and thin, thoroughly enjoy each otherscompany and never know when they are done. Onwards ……………………..

Nige Youl

Team Manager