Sat 14 Dec 2024
Paviors RFC vs Newark RFC – Match Report
Round 12 | Midlands Regional 2
This weekend, Paviors made the short trip over to local rivals Newark in Round 12 of the Midlands Regional 2 Competition. Having won the home fixture earlier in the season, Pavs were looking to claim an away victory. Late call-ups, Theo Collier and Tom Ryan, were drafted into the squad due to last-minute unavailability.
In front of a large and very partisan crowd, Newark edged the opening exchanges. Pavs’ defense stood firm under pressure, holding Newark at bay as they began to grow into the game. On 16 minutes, promising young fly-half Ollie Anderson sliced through the Newark defense with a fantastic run before feeding Ben Taylor, who dotted down under the posts. Anderson added the conversion to give Pavs a 7-0 lead.
By the 22nd minute, Newark narrowed the deficit to 7-3 with a penalty. A moment of controversy followed as Dan Hyams was sent to the sin-bin for what appeared to be minimal contact. Despite playing with 14 men, Pavs attacked the Newark line repeatedly but were unable to cross. Unfortunately, Newark capitalized on a couple of loose Pavs kicks, scoring twice to take a 13-7 lead into halftime.
The second half began with Newark extending their advantage. A well-worked try in the corner made it 18-7. Prop Nick Brearley was replaced by Theo Collier, who continues his recovery from a long-term hip injury.
As Pavs continued to press, their persistence paid off. On 62 minutes, Tom Ryan crashed over the line following relentless pressure and rucks just short of the try line. With the gap now reduced to 18-12, it was game on!
In the final ten minutes, Pavs launched a thrilling counter-attack. Centre Matt Molyneux broke from inside Pavs’ 22, sprinting a full 60 metres before offloading to Danny Green, who was tackled just short of the line. The Newark tackler was sin-binned for a high tackle, but the official chose not to award a penalty try—much to the frustration of Pavs supporters.
Pavs continued to attack, but a handling error following a long Newark clearance allowed the home side to slot a final penalty, securing a 21-12 victory.
Reflection
This was an entertaining and hard-fought game, enjoyed by supporters of both teams. Pavs will feel disappointed, having created several opportunities to claim the win but perhaps lacking the composure at key moments. It was another close contest that could easily have gone either way.
Next Fixture
Next weekend, Pavs welcome Ilkeston to The Stump, seeking revenge for the away loss back in October. With a pre-match meal planned, a large and lively crowd is expected to get behind the team!
Onwards…!
Squad
1. Tom Ryan (1 try)
2. Dan Hyams
3. Nick Brearley (Rep 55)
4. Joe Crossland
5. Craig Ward
6. Josh Flanagan
7. Tom Gladwin
8. Phil Eggleshaw
9. Jonty Green
10. Ollie Anderson (1C)
11. Tom Davies
12. Ben Taylor (1 try)
13. Matt Molyneux
14. Danny Green
15. Dan Flint
Impacts:
16. Theo Collier (55)
17. Sam Bradley (unused)
18. Richard Hatton (unused)
Forward & Back of the Match
This was truly a team performance with all 18 players deserving immense credit. A special mention to the two players who did not get on but remained fully committed to supporting the team throughout.
Nigel Youl
1st XV Manager
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