Sun 22 Jan 2023, 11:00
After a lot of re-arranging because of cup replays at other clubs, we eventually managed to arrange a game at Burntstump against the Newark Development team. They have a very strong squad and despite them having a team playing in the cup on the same day, the development team were a really tough challenge and played some great rugby. It’s a couple of weeks ago so my memory is a bit hazy but the game went something like this.
Newark were short of a fullback so Paviors lads took it in turns to fill the position, starting with Owen. Toby, Josh KT and Ollie D also helped out. Thanks lads.
The first half started with Newark having a lot of possession and the Paviors defence generally held firm, pushing up well to put pressure on and this eventually led to a penalty in front of the posts and after the attritional start the team, led by Reed, decided to kick for goal. Place kicker for the day, Isaac, slotted home for 3 points.
Newark fought back well and scored and converted a try of their own, before the half was finished with a try from Sam who came out of a ruck with the ball and saw no one defending the blind side and ran into the corner unopposed to score. The kick was too far out and the half time score was 8-7 to the home team.
The second half was more open, during which Newark were able to score 2 converted tries but as their players tired the gaps opened up for Paviors too.
After some good backs play Monty was through to score by the posts which was converted.
Owen now playing for Pavs ran onto his own kick through on half way and ran through to score.
From some good forwards possession a penalty was awarded for side entry into a ruck close to the line. Reed’s quick think by taking a quick tap gave Ollie J the chance to squeeze over from close range.
The re-start kick was caught just outside our 22 by Elijah at full tilt, and this skill put him away and clear down the right wing to run the ball in for a further try. He did celebrate far too soon and was awarded Clown of the Day for the over exuberance.
The final try can from some more back play that gave Isaac a big gap to weave through to run the ball in once more to go with his 3 conversions and a penalty.
A very good team performance with solid defence, great improvement in rucks and really pleasing teamwork in the backs, drawing the man and passing rather than trying to take the ball on too much. It was hard to choose the Player of the Match as the performances had been good all round but for his solid defence and good linking play, it was decided to give it to Warren. Also of note was Toby making his debut and not looking out of place at all.
