Sun 5 Feb 2023, 10:30
In a return fixture (Paviors having lost away earlier in the season), we welcomed West Bridgford to Burntstump for a fixture where we were fielding 26 players. This gave everyone in the squad who was available the chance of a game and the opportunity for the coaches to try some players in slightly different positions, something both teams had agreed on.
West Bridgford started strongly and had a lot of possession in the first period and the Paviors defence worked hard and well but WB were the first to make a break through. However, Paviors grew into the game and gained territory and just before ethe end of the 1st quarter Cole came on at fullback after Benny had taken knock. From a clearing kick from deep in their 22, Cole received the ball with his first touch in mid field and used his speed to beat the on-rushing WB players to round them and have a clear run into the far right hand corner.
In the 2nd quarter we really found our feet and some training ground moves came off, much to the delight of the coaches. The backs showed great hands getting the ball out to the right and Isaac joined the line at pace from full back. With one man to beat he drew him and time his pass to Danny to put him away in space and he scored in the corner.
The 3rd try saw the backs again being passed out to the right after a clearing kick was taken by the full back. Danny was tackled this time but the good ruck clear out got the ball quickly to Ayden who broke through and over the line from 10m out.
WB’s gave away some penalties when under pressure in their own 22 and Reed thought he’d scored after a quick tap and go from 5m out but the ref called him back for not going through the mark. However, from the retaken penalty Harry drew men towards him and off loaded to Nick who was not going to be stopped from that distance. Half time came after the conversion was kicked by Owen.
The second half started similar to the first with WB getting back into attacking ways and scoring 1st with a converted try. But Paviors then fought back with lots of possession and territory led from solid rucking. Paviors next try came from a period of possession in the WB half and the ball was again passed to the right and into Josh KT’s hands. A dummy opened up a gap for him and he took the opportunity to score close to the posts and Isaac converted.
Ayden then score his second try of the day with a strong run down the left and he didn’t need the support that was with him as he powered to the line.
The final try was another example of power, support and using space. Nick made a break, was slowed up and offloaded to Henry who made few more yards and was helped in contact by Nick again. The ball was then recycled to the RHS and this time Isaac was able to finish of in the corner at the end of the game.
It was a really strong performance from the whole squad and one we can continue to build on in future weeks. Our areas to work on were defensive, especially clearing our lines when deep in our 22 where we panicked a bit. A good training session on Wednesday has hopefully given the team some more structure and plans in this area.
