Paviors RFC

This weekend Pavs 1st XV travelled to Rugby Lions in confident mood following three strong victories after the Christmas break. As ever, Pavs were able to fleld an almost unchanged side apart from the inclusion of Christian Murphy and a returning Alistair Plant. Away victories in this division can, however, provide many challenges and metaphorical banana skins for the unwary to slip up on, Pavs were, therefore, mindful of underestimating a pride of wounded Lions!

It was clear from the kick off that the home side were not in the mood to roll over and give Pavs an easy time of it. Lions kept the ball well and Pavs found it difficult to get any meaningful plays going. Most certainly, Lions did not look like the side that had struggled during the early weeks of the season and were more like top five performers. After 18 minutes Lions drove over to score and with the conversion take a 7-0 lead. This seemed to inspire Pavs who began to grow into the game. After 29 minutes and following a well rehearsed lineout drive Keiran Wells fought his way through to score and George Billam to bring the sides level with the conversion. In the very last play sprightly flanker Josh Flanagan pulled off a massive try saving tackle for Pavs, much to the frustration of the Lions faithful, to keep the score at 7-7 at the half time break.

Coach Nathan Eggleshaw clearly imparted his ideas during the rest period. After 50 minutes George Billam ghosted through a gap between Lions 10 and 12 to score and add the conversion to give Pavs the lead at 12-7. Pavs then enjoyed a period of ascendancy. Phil Eggleshaw smashed his way over the line on 56 minutes to make Pavs feel a little more comfortable at 19-7. At this stage, Pavs began to exude a calm controlled confidence and it was no surprise when stylish wing Christian Murphy glided in to extend the away sides lead to 24-7 on 62 minutes. More was to follow on 69 minutes when Doug Billam took a short pass off brother George to sprint in and give Pavs an emphatic 31-7 lead. Not to be outdone, and with Pavs tiring a little, Lions then went on the counter attack of their and scored two quick tries on 74 and 78 minutes. At this stage mention must be made of Will Taylor. Despite being the youngest member of the squad Will continues to impress both players and supporters. During this game he gave the performance of the season and was justly awarded man of the match. Final score 31-19 and 5 points in the league.

The casual observer may be forgiven for viewing this as just another day at the office, but the players and supporters present know that this was far from the case. This was a very difficult fixture with a very competitive and combative opponent. It was with some relief that Pavs drove back to Notts fully intact both in terms of the players and the scoreboard.

Squad; Stirling, Wells, Collier, Hanson, Allen, Hall, Flanagan, Reeson, Green, Billam G, Murphy, Eggleshaw P, Billam D, Hatton, Taylor W. Rep; Plant, Mason, Barton.
Scorers; Wells 1 try, Billam G 1 try/3 conv, Eggleshaw P 1 try, Murphy 1 try, Billam D 1 try.

Nigel Youl - 1st Team Manager