This weekend a large and vociferous crowd gathered at Burntstump in anticipation of a highly competitive game between Pavs and erstwhile rivals Doncaster Phoenix. As clubs Pavs and Doncaster used to play regularly but situations have changed over the years and it has been a while since the South Yorkshire side have visited The Ron Rossin Ground. Following a strong start last weekend against Burton the squad were in positive mood for what turned out to be a highly entertaining game.
From the kick off Pavs pressed for the first score but were held out by determined Doncaster defence. After ten minutes one could say that Pavs were on top but things very quickly turned around. Doncaster assumed ascendancy and camped in Pavs half for most of the next thirty minutes. To their credit Pavs much improved defence held Doncaster at bay with a mixture of stoicism and occasional desperation. Finally, Doncaster were awarded a penalty in front of the posts and accordingly took a 3-0 lead. The Yorkshire side added to this minutes later when they squeezed in the corner to extend their lead to 8-0. With a minute to go in the half Pavs were finally able to get hold of the ball. Scrum half Jonty Green found room on the outside of the Doncaster defence with the attack being brought down inside the Doncaster twenty two. Pavs took an ensuing lineout before setting up a powerful drive and crashing over in the corner with Stevie Allen finally coming up with the ball. Fly half George Billam stepped up and put the conversion between the sticks with an overwhelming sense of confidence. Pavs finished the half in buoyant mood having limited Doncaster to just 8 points and then drawing themselves close with a last minute try. Half time 8-7 in favour of Doncaster.
After the break, Pavs looked a different side and came out with all guns blazing. They grasped the initiative and camped in the Doncaster half. From a strong forward drive, hooker Kieran Wells and number nine Jonty Green skilfully linked up, giving Green the opportunity to dive into the corner. George Billam again with seemingly consummate ease popped the ball over for the extras and give Pavs a 14-8 lead. Pavs continued to pile on the pressure. Following another sweeping move wing Will Taylor somehow managed to “dob” the ball down in the corner before being swept into touch. Billam added the extras with customary aplomb to give Pavs a 21-8 lead. More was to come when following a ruck in front of the Doncaster posts, scrum half Jonty Green darted through the Doncaster defence to score and give Pavs a 28-8 with the Billam extras. Doncaster them made a resurgence and got over between the posts to narrow the score to 28-15 which was how the game finished.
Pavs have now taken a maximum 10 points for the first two league of games of life in Midlands Premier. As such this is a very positive start. Having said this,Pavs remain a very modest and grounded group of young men who realise that in this league every game is a huge challenge. One of the side’s strongest facets is its unity and camaraderie, a quality the means that they are side who never give up but also one that sticks together through thick and thin.
Next game Kettering away on Saturday 21stSeptember – always a competitive affair. All support welcome.
Nigel Youl
Team Manager
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