Sat 4 Dec 2021
Following two strong performances against Bridgnorth and Broad Street in the past two weeks Pavs travelled over to table topping Bromsgrove in hope of continuing their recent stylish uplift in form.
Pavs made their best start of the season. They were bright and breezy, and played with good continuity whilst also looking to move the ball to the width. They made several forays to the Bromsgrove line, before lock Phil Eggleshaw wrestled his way over to give Pavs the lead at 5-0 on ten minutes. Despite this positive start, Pavs then conceded two quick tries due to technical inaccuracy and found themselves 12-5 down having had most of the early play. This disappointment began to gradually erode Pavs confidence and hence their energy. Bromsgrove added two more tries and a penalty before Joe Collingham added a try for Pavs, to bring the score to 29-10 to Bromsgrove at the break.
During the break Pavs seemed to gather themselves and made another bright start to the half. Both sides shared attacking opportunities, but the score remained static for the first twenty minutes despite the energy that was being expended. As time wore on, Pavs began to concede more and more penalties which not only drained their energy, but afforded them little opportunity to use the ball in an attacking sense to try and grab a bonus point. Bromsgrove added another try to extend their lead 36-10 late in the half. Pavs continued to try and attack. Lineout and scrummage were of their usual high standard, but penalties and inaccuracy in a number of other areas allowed Bromsgrove to score two more tries at the death against a tiring and frustrated away XV.
A sobering, frustrating and somewhat disappointing day forPavs given the recent positive evolution of the side. Pavs willundoubtedly address the issues that hamstrung them this weekbefore moving on to think about the up and coming home fixture against Burton RFC this coming Saturday 11thDecember.
Onwards …………!
Nigel Youl
