Sat 4 Feb 2023
This weekend Pavs made another long trip North to Ilkley RFC. The reciprocal home fixture in October was a close run affair, with Pavs just missing out by a couple of points, so the gathered large crowd were expectant if an entertaining afternoon.
From the kick off, Pavs played with fluency and pushed for an opening score. Unfortunately, with Pavs fully committed to attack, Ilkley questionably stole the ball, before counter attacking and scoring between the posts to give them a 7-0. Pavs continued to press, but despite going close on a number of occasions, did not convert this pressure into points. Ilkley then again snaffled the ball and from another counter attack went further ahead at 12-0. Sadly a serious knee injury to young flanker Ed James him leave the field. Pavs were forced to reorganise with skipper Doug Billam joining the back row and Danny Green slipping into the centre. Half time score 12-0 to Ilkley with a lot still left in the game.
Ilkley made an impressive start to the second half and established a convincing lead with three quick tries. Pavs stayed in the game and hooker Kieran Wells added to his growing tally for the season, following a well organised lineout drive. Another try was to follow in similar mode as Phil Eggleshaw fought his way over to bring the narrow the lead. As injuries began to take their toll Ilkley drew further ahead, whilst Pavs characteristically battled away right to the end and were in fact denied another late score by the official.
A tough day at the office for the boys. They kept at it right to the end, but on the day were defeated by well organised home side. Pavs now embark on a run of seven games, four of which are away at Cleckheaton, Alnwick, Driffield and Scunthorpe. A challenging period in which we all need to get right behind them and give them every support we can. For their part, the squad will continue to display their usual temerity and dedication to the cause. This coming weekend Pavs welcome table topping Billingham RFC to The Stump.
The Squad - Allen, Wells, Baldry, Langan, Collier, James, Flanagan, Eggleshaw, Taylor B, Billam G, Rimmington, Kelly, Billam D, Flint, Molyneux. Reps- Green, Hatton
Man of The Match - The Entire Squad - all 17 gave their all for the cause!!!!!
Apologies - Last week at York, Josh Flanagan was erroneously missed off the list of try scorers, apologies of the profuse kind to him!!!!
