Sat 25 Sep 2021
This weekend Pavs welcomed Nuneaton RFC to Burntstump in Round Four of this year’s Midland Premier competition. The meetings, last time round, were very close of affairs with the honours being shared. Accordingly, a large crowd gathered in bright sunshine in anticipation of some quality rugby.
Pavs were aware that Nuns are quick starters and so endeavoured to match this energy themselves. The home side made a number of strong forays into Nun’s half, but were held out by determined defence. As the away side came into the game, it was Pavs’ turn to display their own defensive bravery. Finally on 28 minutes, fly half George Billam made a break into the Nuns’s final third before giving an exquisite offload to brother Doug Billam to touch down between the sticks. Aforesaid George also added the extras to give Pavs a 7-0 which was how the half ended.
After the break Nuns put increased energy into their display and pinned Pavs back before driving over on 47 minutes to draw the scores level. Everyone, both players and spectators now knew that this was going to be a close one. Pavs continued to spread the ball wide with Nuns displaying a more direct approach. At this stage it was never clear which approach would approve to be the more successful. On 52 minutes, however, speedy wing Tom Davies sprinted past his opposing player before managing to touch down in the corner for his first try for the club and give Pavs a 12-7 lead.
Even then things continued to be in the balance. On 68 minutes it looked like Pavs had secured the win when hooker Kieran Wells finished off a fine move on the right wing to extend the score to 17-7 before George Billam added the extras. Nuns had other ideas, however, and attacked with renewed vim and vigour. Another driving maul led to a try between the posts on 78 minutes to bring the score to 19-14 in Pavs favour which was how the game thankfully ended.
So a much improved performance from Pavs was in evidence. Set piece is really beginning to develop an edge whilst the backs continue to move the ball quickly with no little finesse. Needless to say that this is the result of much hard work during the week. There are still things to work on and errors to be ironed out, but the entire squad can be happy with a good afternoon’s work (which I will say was much enjoyed later!!!) Nuns voted prop Lochlan Dudley as their Pavs Man of the Match. He was indeed formidable in the scrummage even if his weird post match footwear left something to be desired!!
Next weekend Pavs travel to Oundle RFC with another tight affair in the offing.
Nigel Youl
1st v Nuneaton 25.9.21 - Tom Davies scoring - Photos by Diana Turner
