Sat 20 Nov 2021
This weekend Pavs made the long journey over to Shropshire side Bridgnorth in the latest round of the Midlands Premier Competition. On a bright sunny day (worthy of getting ye olde sandals out!) it was Pavs who kicked off. Bridgnorth made a very bright and breezy start and put the away side under huge pressure in the first ten minutes. Two tries followed in double quick time to give the home side the lead at 12-0. It is testimony to growing confidence of this young Pavs side that they struck back with two tries of their own in just as quick double time. Fly half, George Billam went over after a concerted period of forward pressure, and then pacey full back Matt Molyneux finished a fine handling move by the backs to draw Pavs Level with the Billam extras at 12-12, on twenty two minutes. More was to follow as Pavs began to dominate the half with some exciting back play. Diminutive but dangerous wing Tom Davies outpaced the Bridgnorth defence to score and put Pavs in the lead at 19-12 before talented centre Jack Taylor extended the Pavs lead to 24-12 on thirty seven minutes.
At the start of the second half Bridgnorth refound the form they had displayed at the start of the game. They scored three tries in the blinking of an eye to put them back in the lead at 29-24. Yet again Pavs just would not lie down. Tom Davies went in for his second try to level things up on fifty five minutes at 29-29. On seventy minutes it seemed that Bridgnorth would take the spoils at they again went back into the lead at 34-29 only for Pavs to come bursting back with superbly finished try by equally diminutive and dangerous wing Alex Rimmington on seventy five minutes, and bring the score to 34-34, which was how the game finished.
What a wonderful game of rugby!! The crowd were treated to a feast of skilful, energetic and stylish play from both sides. Pavs young men are definitely coming of age and getting used to the challenges of this level of rugby. After a few difficult moments early on, they are proving themselves to be both resilient and talented. What is also as important is that they have become a tight unit of mates who both play hard and celebrate hard. They thoroughly enjoy each other’s company and are a pleasure to associate with. (Even if us slightly more mature brethren find it difficult to keep up!!!)
Pavs look forward to the visit of Broad Street RFC nest weekend, as they look to take further steps forward in releasing the potential that they possess.
Nigel Youl
Team Manager
