Sat 26 Oct 2019
This weekend Pavs were back on their travels over to Sandbach RFC. Both clubs have a similar pedigree in that they highly value their junior setups and both base their success on promoting from within. The Cheshire side have played in Midlands Premier for the past eight seasons, so it was with a good deal of anticipation that the squad and supporters embarked on the battle bus following England’s destruction of the All Blacks!!
Weather conditions were abysmal throughout the region, so it was not to be a day for running rugby. In the opening quarter of the game, honours were shared as both sides vied for supremacy. Sandbach opened the scoring with a penalty in front of the posts. As the half continued, Sandbach converted another penalty, but with defence holding sway neither side looked like crossing the line. In the last minute of the half Sandbach went 9-0 with their third kick. All in all, a very physical confrontation with neither side giving or asking for quarter.
Following the break, it was clear that the side who made the better start would probably go on to win. Sandbach hit the ground running and put Pavs under immense pressure in both scrum and lineout. As Pavs strove to get into the game the penalty count began to rise steeply. Finally, the referee took action and sent Matt Molyneux for ten minutes rest, more as a team punishment than anything else. Sandbach made use of the extra player and scored in the corner with a good deal of ensuing debate regarding the proximity of the touch line. The try was finally awarded to push Sandbach further in front at 14-0. Back to full strength, Pavs continued to battle away against an increasingly confident home side. A further try was scored in the opposite corner and a penalty was added to extend Sandbach’s lead to 22-0. Even then Pavs mounted a revival and camped in Sandbach’s twenty two for the last ten minutes without being able to cross the line before the referee signalled the end of the game.
So a tough day for the boys, but also another step along the way as they get acclimatised to life in Midlands Premier. Commitment was huge and the squad can be pleased with the defensive performance given the percentage of second half possession that Sandbach enjoyed. Pavs will continue to stick to their guns no matter what and in so doing gain the experience to progress in this league. Onwards ……………………….
Dates for the diary
Saturday 2nd November - Clubhouse open from 0815 for England v SA World Cup Final - KO 0900
Saturday 9 November - 1st v Sheffield - Burntstump KO 1415
Saturday 9 November - Ladies Day - KO 1300 Tickets £10 available from Ruth 07842 181253/Bar/Kitchen
Nige Youl
Team Manager
