Sat 18 Dec 2021, 14:15
This weekend Pavs travelled over to Dudley Kingswinford RFC for the last game before the Christmas break in The Midlands Premier league.
On a cloudy, but not unpleasant afternoon both sides entered into the spirit of the season with some fluent attacking and often stylish play. In the first 15 minutes, honours were shared with enterprising attack being met by equally enterprising defence. It was clear that this was a game between two equally matched sides, the result of which could and indeed would depend on an error or turn of luck.
Unfortunately for Pavs on 16 minutes, an attacking play and kick pushed them into DK’s 22 only for the ball to do what rugby balls often do and “kick” sideways into DK’s winger’s hands, who then artfully created the opportunity for DK to score and take a 7-0 lead. On 27 minutes a DK lineout went astray and went beyond the jumper to be gratefully received by a lock lurking at the back who then fought his way over to give DK a 14-0 lead. On 30 minutes DK then executed a fine move to send the centre over and further extend their lead to 21-0. Pavs had put a huge effort in and could not be blamed for feeling rather disgruntled at how matters had turned out. The away side put this to the back of their mind for the last 10 minutes of the half as they battled to get back in the game.
After the break, Pavs came out firing and immediately put DK under pressure. Only extremely spirited defence held Pavs at bay until, on 50 minutes, wing Will Taylor finished off a fine move to narrow the lead, with Billam extras, to 21-7. For the next 30 minutes, Pavs battled away and hardly left DK’s half. For their part DK did all they could to stem the attacking tide that threatened to overwhelm them. As time drifted by, the task proved to be too much for Pavs given the three try lead at the break and DK took the laurels at the final whistle. It was one of those games where there was nothing to choose between the two sides. Pavs will rue their luck for two of the tries, but in this league of fine margins, it is just one of those things that one has to take on the chin and move on.
Pavs now go into a two week festive break with the season half done. So far this season, there have been low points, but many more high points for this young side, who have set themselves the task of improving week on week. Come what may Pavs will continue to be resilient and enjoy the battle week in and week out. Saturday the 8th January will see Pavs take on Newport RFC at The Stump.
Nigel Youl
Team Manager
