Sat 30 Oct 2021
This weekend Pavs travelled over to Scunthorpe RFC in the latest round of The Midlands Premier competition. On a typical Autumn day, with alternating rain and sun, it was Scunthorpe who asserted the early pressure. Two quick tries afforded them a 10-0 lead within the first ten minutes, with Pavs looking hardly out of their various cars. As has been too often the case in recent weeks, Pavs had to battle back from being behind and some how get into the game. After twenty five minutes and following a series of powerful forward drives Ollie Hanson was able to cross the line and with the Billam extras narrow the Scunthorpe lead to 10-7. Unfortunately, some weak tackling then again allowed Scunthorpe to score another converted try to go 17-7 in front. Yet again Pavs forwards fought their way to the line before Phil Eggleshaw touched down to bring the score to 17-14 at the break. Having not really strung much together Pavs were still very much in the game and were at this stage looking like they might steal the initiative in the second half. The win was very much on the cards.
It is, indeed, extremely difficult to describe the rugby suicide that Pavs then committed after the break. From the kick off Pavs made early inroads into the Scunthorpe half. They were then justifiably awarded a penalty which if kicked would have levelled the score. Pavs, however, chose to kick to the corner for a five metre lineout. The ball was secured and then driven forward, but inexplicably released to the backline. Unfortunately, the ball was then lost and Scunthorpe cleared their lines. This seemed to suck the wind out of Pavs, who in the next ten minutes conceded seven consecutive penalties which took an under pressure Scunthorpe from their try line to scoring between Pavs posts and go in front 24-14. Worse was to come when from the kick the Scunthorpe backs were allowed to run three quarters of the pitch to add a further seven points to bring the score to 31-14. Further penalties and an eventual sin did not help matters and another two tries saw Scunthorpe go 41-14 in front with Pavs looking down and out. As has also been the case recently, Pavs then staged a late fight back. All of a sudden the energy that had been so sadly missing in the first seventy minutes burst forth. Youngsters Jack Taylor and Tom Davis combined to add a late try to bring the score to 41-21 and Pavs were probably unlucky not to add another.
Pavs will need to lick their wounds over the next week before a home battle against Sheffield RFC. Discipline on a personal and team level will undoubtedly be addressed at training and Pavs will turn up in their usual resilient and positive manner. Midlands Premier is no place for the faint of heart and it is to be hoped that this young side is learning valuable lessons. Onwards………..
Nigel Youl
1st XV Team Manager
