Sat 22 Feb 2025, 15:00
This weekend a youthful and fresh faced Pavs 2nd XV squad travelled over to Derbyshire to play Long Eaton 2s in the quarter final of the NLD Senior Bowl. As is always the case, Pavs remain focussed on bringing youngsters up from the academy into senior rugby and this was no better demonstrated with the selection of seven current academy players as well a group from last year’s squad. All in all, fifteen of the eighteen man squad had progressed from Pavs junior rugby into the seniors at various times, including the ageless Dan Mangham who is overseeing the current group’s transition into the men’s game.
After seeming months of cold, wet damp weather, the first signs of Spring augured an entertaining affair. As it was, Long Eaton’s more ample forwards took charge in the opening minutes and opened up a 14-0 lead by the twenty fifth minute. As they tired, Pavs began to get hold of the ball and looked to go to the width. Having put some phases together, first half 10 Connor Taylor, cut through a gap before putting the ball down the backline for centre Josh K-Thomas to outpace the defence to go in untouched and with Taylor’s extras narrow the lead to 14-7 on thirty minutes. As time moved on, it was clear that the younger Pavs side was going to find space. With thirty five minutes gone pacey full back Luke Snowden accelerated past would be tacklers to touch down and again with Taylor’s conversion level matters up at 14-14 which was how the half ended.
During the break coach Rob Severn rang the changes with Ali Jeal giving Bobby Johnson a rest and young half back pairing of Jack Stanford and Owen Evans taking over from Sam Green and Connor Taylor. Early in the half, Pavs worked their way into Long Eaton’s twenty two, for a galloping Michael Foremen to dob down and with Luke Snowden now on kicking duties put Pavs in the lead at 14-21. Minutes later and as Pavs tried to move the ball wide wing Ed Marshall dodged past his opponent to score and extend Pavs lead to 14-26. Unfortunately, the following kick off reception was dropped which eventually led to Long Eaton scoring a converted try to bring the score to 21-26 with twenty minutes to go. Stanford and Evans then began to speed the game up which afforded the opportunity for Ed Marshall to go in for his second try of the day. Owen Evans slotted the conversion to put Pavs 21-33 in front with ten minutes to go. With Long Eaton now gathering their energies for a last push and Ed Marshall taking a ten minute break due to a harshly judged high tackle it was truly game on. The home side piled over after a period of pressure to bring the score to 28-33 and three minutes left. They kept up the pressure but the boys in green and red kept them out to take a handsome away victory and into the semi final. Both Long Eaton and Pavs were a little unsure about the progression but “Guru” Pat Billam characteristically found the answer that it was a quarter final of the competition - just have to keep winning!!
Big congratulations to everyone but most particularly to the boys who became men yesterday !! Onwards………!!
Squad
- Archie Hall
- Cole Chelton
- Bobby Johnson
- Michael Foreman (1 Try)
- Ethan Boulter
- Jade Wilkinson
- Dan Mangham
- Toyan Garland
- Sam Green
- Connor Taylor (2 Conv)
- Ed Marshall (2 Tries)
- Alex Morgan (C)
- Josh K- Thomas (1 Try)
- Jack Greely
- Luke Snowden (1 Try/ 1 Conv)
- Jack Stanford
- Owen Evans (2 Conv)
- Ali Jeal
Nigel Youl
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