Paviors RFC

1st v W Bridgford - 12.1.19

A local derby in any sport is sure to engage players and supporters alike, no better demonstrated than by Pavs 1st xv visit to West Bridgford RFC this weekend. A large crowd gathered in anticipation of a highly competitive game featuring the two best sides in Nottinghamshire. It turned out to be a hugely entertaining affair from a Pavs perspective despite an injury to the referee causing the game to be a little truncated.

Prior to kick off, Pavs coach Nathan Eggleshaw stressed the need for pace and intensity in the opening encounters. Accordingly, the Burntstump side set off at a high tempo. Minutes into the game Pavs moved the ball swiftly to the left and finally into the hands of wing Alex Barton to squeeze through the tiniest of gaps and touch down in the corner. At this stage Bridgford found it almost impossible to get their hands on the ball or move out of their own half. More pressure was to follow when a powerful run by a returning Joe Collingham saw him tear through the Bridgford midfield defence to score. Fly half George Billam added the extras to give Pavs a 12-0 lead after as many minutes. The period that followed was as unrelenting as it was unstoppable. The aforesaid George Billam then added a further try as he ghosted his way through a now flagging defence. Tiring players tend to give away penalties and it was from one of these that scrum half Jonty Green then enacted a “quarterback sneak” that any NFL player would have been proud to and bring the score to an emphatic 24-0 with ten minutes to play in the half. Joe Collingham then popped up in midfield again to provide a replay of his first try and bring the score to 29-0. During the final play of the half Pavs put together a series of stylish phases which ended with full back Matt Molyneux cutting a wonderful inside line to score and with Billam adding the extras and bringing the half time score to 36-0.

After the break Pavs continued the high pace and power strategy that had seen them progress so well during the first half. Two chances came and went both created by expansive play. Unfortunately, as lovers of the game of rugby we realise that things do not always continue along the line you would want them to and Pavs suffered injuries to Phil Eggleshaw, Matt Molyneux and Adam Stirling in a ten minute period. Josh Flanagan, Cal Mason and Tom Winning were more than capable replacements, but it took a little time to get reorganised and settle back into the previous patterns and routines. In the interim, Bridgford began to get some ball and score two quick well executed tries (the first Pavs have conceded in 5 games) and bring the score to 36-10. Unfortunately, after 61 minutes and as Pavs began to resettle, the referee suffered a calf strain which meant he could not continue. Despite discussion amongst all concerned matters could not be resolved. Accordingly, the referee called an end to the game with current result standing and Pavs achieving five league points.

So somewhat of a strange end to proceedings. Pavs first half performance was arguably the best of the season and no-one can turn up their nose at a five point away win against a very competitive local rival. Moving on then, Pavs take on a resurgent Peterborough side at home next weekend. Another big challenge amongst a season of big challenges that has brought the best out of Paviors RFC 1st XV. Onwards men ……………

Nigel Youl
1st Team Manager