Sat 27 Nov 2021
Following an excellent high scoring away draw with Bridgnorth last week, Pavs welcomed Broad Street RFC to The Stump this weekend with the intention of backing up the recent improvements against a side significantly higher in the league.
A large crowd gathered in fiery anticipation of a highly entertaining affair which the weather did it best to dampen. Broad Street kicked off with the swirling wind mostly at their backs and down the slope. Pavs defended well early on and made a number of strong forays into the Broad Street half. For their part the Warwickshire side built a good deal of pressure and were awarded an early penalty which gave them the lead at 3-0. In a rather topsy turvy half, fly half George Billam converted a penalty to level the scores, before a fine move saw centre Jack Taylor break through, before giving an exquisite offload to, in form flanker, Ollie Collingham to crash over, and with the Billam extras extend the Pavs lead to 10-3 at the break.
In the second half, Broad Street poured their efforts into drawing level. Pavs defended stoutly and resiliently and from one particular break out were awarded another penalty which Billam gratefully accepted and extended Pavs lead to 13-3. Broad Street then had a sustained period of pressure when Pavs conceded penalty after penalty almost on their own line. The defence during this period was as good as it has been all season and kept Broad Street at bay. With twenty five minutes left, Pavs brought on Joe Collingham (brother of aforesaid Ollie) in the second row. He proved to be a thorn in Broad Street’s side in the ruck and maul before scooping up a loose ball and driving over to give Pavs a 20-3 lead with ten to go. Broad Street continued to press and Pavs to break out via the young pacy back line. With minutes left Pavs moved the ball wide to wing Alex Rimmington who then offloaded to the rampaging Collingham J. to ghost in to touch down. Billam again added the extras to give Pavs a convincing lead at 27-3 which was how the game ended.
Pavs continue to develop as a side with a number of talented youngsters particularly in the backs. The forwards remain a powerful and skilled unit who distinguish themselves week in and week out, but if one could pick out one player who extols all of the virtues that one would require as a Pavs player, it would be Ollie Collingham. He has put in truly Herculean performances in recent weeks and sets a clear example for all to follow.
Next week Pavs travel to Bromsgrove RFC for another tough battle in Midlands Premier.
Nigel Youl
Team Manager .
