Sat 7 Mar 2026
This weekend Pavs made the short trip over to Kelham Road to take on Newark RUFC in round 19 of the Midlands Regional 2 North Competition. Pavs took the points in the home fixture, so Newark would be looking for a little revenge on their home patch.
From the kick off, Pavs were able to regain the ball and move it through the hands for centre Dan Stokes to outpace the defence and score, so 0-5 on two minutes- ironically not always a great thing, which is how the next seventeen minutes turned out. As Pavs kind of relaxed, Newark ran in three tries to take an emphatic looking 21-5 lead. Pavs regained an element of composure as Stokes went in for his second try with twenty-two minutes on the clock to narrow the lead to 21-12. As this point, returning student Danny Green had to leave the pitch to make repairs to a head wound to be replaced by another Pavs youngster in the guise of Jack Stanford. As the half drew to a close, Newark went further ahead at 26-12 via another try, before fly half George Billam added a long-range penalty to take the score to 26-15 at the break.
During the break Green returned in the stead of Ed Marshall. Minutes into the half, another Pavs defensive lapse saw Newark extend their lead to 31-15, before adding two penalties to go 37-15 ahead on fifty minutes. A returning Josh Flanagan then replaced Richard Hutchinson as Pavs brought fresh legs into the pack. At this point, Pavs began to rediscover the form that had seen them take four wins out of the last five games. With fifty-eight minutes on the clock the irrepressible Jack Stanford touched down to bring the score to 37-20. Seven minutes later and following a series of plays, number eight Phil Eggleshaw battled over, and with the George Billam brought Pavs in touch at 37-27. Moments later, scrum half Jonty Green slid the ball through for brother Danny to chase and touch down, only to be judged in touch by the touch judge, a very tight decision that turned out to be crucial. Green then left the arena to be replaced by Jack Stanford at nine and Ed Marshall returning on the wing. A further eight minutes, saw the ever-popular Stevie Allen bustle across the line, again after a series of well controlled plays to bring matters very close at 37-32. Unfortunately, shortly after Pavs conceded a penalty almost in front of the posts to allow Newark to ease any concerns they may have had and take the score to 40-32 with two minutes to go. Pavs kept battling away, but it was just not to be.
Pavs again learnt that going solo off the game plan does not work, thus reinforcing the team ethic that has been so good over the recent weeks. Certainly, scoring very early did not do them any favours in that respect. One must also congratulate Newark on a high energy performance that put Pavs under immense pressure at times. Overall, it was of those cliched days of rugby being the real winner. A hugely entertaining game provided fine fare for the supporters of both persuasions. Next weekend Pavs travel to Ilkeston RFC, all support would be very welcome for another tough local derby.
Squad
1.Dan Hyams
2.Owen Taylor *
3.Tom Ryan
4.Rich Hutchinson
5.Theo Collier
6.Nick Smith*
7.Matt Molyneux*
8.Phil Eggleshaw *
9.Jonty Green*
10.George Billam*
11.Ed Marshall*
12.Doug Billam*
13.Dan Stokes
14.Danny Green*
15.Dan Flint*
16.Steven Allen*
17.Josh Flanagan*
18.Jack Stanford *
*~Home Grown
Nigel Youl
1st XV Manager
