Sat 21 Mar 2026
This weekend, Pavs welcomed league leaders Dronfield RFC to The Stump in round 20 of the Regional Midlands Two North competition.
On a balmy afternoon and on a good surface, the gathered crowd were expectant of an enjoyable and entertaining afternoon. From the kick off, it was Pavs who grabbed the ascendancy and pushed forward relentlessly. For the first twenty minutes they pinned Dronfield back, allowing them only the occasional venture into their own half. To their credit, Dronfield’s defence held the home side at bay, not allowing them to cross their line. As these things turn out, it was Dronfield who opened the scoring from a questionable turnover to go 0-7 on eighteen minutes. Pavs got back on the attack, but from what looked like a suspiciously forward pass found themselves 0-12 some might say much against the run of the play. At this point, Pavs lost captain Doug Billam with a calf injury, to be replaced by Alex Morgan in the centre. The last five minutes of the half saw Dronfield go 0-17 up, before hooker Owen Taylor narrowed the lead to 7-17. Frustratingly, right on the final play of the half Pavs conceded to go 7-24 down.
During the break, Conner Tomlinson replaced Tom Ryan on the front row. Pavs then enjoyed another period of possession which led to prop Dan Hyams driving over to bring the score to 14-24 with the George Billam extras with twenty minutes to go. Dronfield added the final score of the game on sixty four minutes to take the score to 14-29.
So tons of hard work and commitment from the boys. They played within their structure for most of the game, but a well organised Dronfield defence and an ability to capitalise on any small error saw the away side take the points. Massive plaudits must go to the young former and current academy players who are stepping up. Jack Stanford playing out of his normal position on the wing was super in both attack and defence. Twins Connar and Kyle Burney making their collective debut proved what potential they have as a pair and individually whilst flanker Nick Smith was a formidable force wherever he was required. Must also say the rest of the squad were none too shabby either! This coming Saturday sees Pavs travel to Belgrave RFC seeking points that will keep them away from any playoff issues. Kick off 3.00 -All support very much welcome.
Squad
1.Dan Hyams (1 try)
2.Owen Taylor (1 try). *
3.Tom Ryan
4.Theo Collier
5.Conner Burney *
6.Nick Smith*
7.Kyle Burney*
8.Phil Eggleshaw *
9.Jonty Green *
10.George Billam (2c)*
11.Jack Stanford*
12.Doug Billam*
13.Dan Stokes*
14.Luke Snowden*
15.Dan Flint*
16.Alex Morgan (26)
17.Jacob Playford (68)*
18.Conner Tomlinson (40)*
*Pavs Home Grown
Nigel Youl
1st XV Manager
