Paviors RFC

This weekend Pavs made the 400 mile round trip up to Northumberland and back to play Alnwick RUFC. This fact alone engendered shocked disbelief in the uninitiated, but to the 22 man party that travelled North at 8.30am on Saturday morning, it was just another of the challenges that playing in Regional North East One evokes. Having welcomed back Alex Barton last week, Pavs were able to include Will Taylor in a young and pacey backline, whilst also giving a debut to Tom Ryan (aka GOAT) from the bench. The reciprocal home fixture was a close affair with Pavs coming out on top, so Alnwick were keen to redress the away defeat.

From the kick off Alnwick played at high pace in order to get their noses in front whilst Pavs got the journey out of their legs. A try and conversion gave them a 7-0 almost immediately, before Pavs struck back with a fine passing movement seeing Will Taylor cross the line. Alnwick then pushed to widen the gap and scored three more tries whilst Pavs were growing accustomed to power running from both Alnwick centres. Half time 28-5 to Alnwick.

Pavs made a spirited start to the second half. As a significantly and physically smaller side they endeavoured to move the ball through the hands rather than enter into a forward confrontation. As a result there were a number of stylish movements which took them to just short of Alnwick’s line. Pavs did concede two more tries, but were buoyed by the try scored by Richard Hatton which was the result of multi phase play. Final score 42-10 to Alnwick.

This was always going to be a tough day and not one for the faint of heart. Pavs continue to battle away. They always play with style, energy and no little skill, often looking more accomplished than their opponents. The challenge has increasingly been to match other sides in terms of size and physicality as was the case today. The entire squad deserve our undiluted praise for the effort they are putting in. As last week, there will not be an MOM selected due to the commitment that everyone continues to display. Having said this, it is impossible to ignore the massive hard work and effort that youngster Josh Alton-Smith is putting in !!! Pavs now enter the last four league games of the season and play three of fellow former Midlanders, so much to look forward to!!

Onwards …….!!!!

Nigel Youl

Team Manager

Squad - Allen, Wells, Collier, Pritchard, Flanagan, Alton-Smith, Jones, Reeson, Flint, Billam G, Taylor W, Taylor B, Rimmington, Barton, Molyneux.

Reps - Hatton, Ryan.