Sat 29 Jan 2022
This weekend Pavs welcomed Syston RFC to The Stump in Round 18 of The Midlands Premier competition. The fixture over the years has taken on something of the look of a local derby with little quarter given or accepted by either side. The weather was, dare one say, warm for the time of year which encouraged a large and vociferous crowd to be in good spirits.
Both sides began well and provided a good deal of entertainment for supporters of both persuasions. Enterprising play from both sides was much in evidence, with attack met with well organised defence. On thirty minutes, Syston made their way into the Pavs twenty two and following a fortunate (or skilled-depending on where your allegiance lies) pass touched down close to the posts and with the added conversion went in front at 7-0. Pavs swiftly bounced back with an exciting move of their own which saw wing Alex Rimmington sprint into the corner. George Billam added the extras from out wide to level the scores at 7-7, which was how the half finished.
After the break, Pavs poured forward looking for the opening score. Pavs very young backs Jack Taylor, Cam Seaton, Tom Davies and Alex Rimmington were much to the fore whilst the more mature brethren upfront were abrasive and very competitive. Many opportunities came and unfortunately went during a twenty minute period in which Pavs virtually camped on Syston’s line. Pavs threw everything at scoring, but it seemed inevitable that if they did not score, Syston would also have their opportunities. On sixty five minutes, a lack of composure in their own twenty two saw Syston convert a penalty and then score a converted try to take them in the lead at 17-7. Not to be outdone Pavs struck back with a penalty lineout and maul before young prop Jake Baldry crashed over for his first senior try to bring Pavs back in range at 17-12. They continued to push for the next try, but unfortunately they were beaten by the clock and the referee’s final whistle.
Post match felt disappointed at not quite being able to secure the win against a strong Syston XV who had not lost in six; a win they probably deserved. Turning long periods of pressure into points is an area for Pavs to focus on. They create a huge number of opportunities which is a real positive, they just now need to foster the composure to make the best of them. As a young team with half the side being under twenty, they are quickly gaining in experience. They are not far off being very competitive in this league and will hopefully continue to make the most of their potential in the weeks that lie ahead.
Nigel Youl
1st XV Manager
