Sat 12 Mar 2022
This weekend Pavs welcomed Shropshire club Bridgnorth RFC to The Stump. The away fixture in November was a thrilling high scoring draw at 34-34, so it was with much anticipation that supporters of both persuasions awaited the kick off.
With ground and weather conditions vastly improved both sides set about playing a pacey and wide game. On thirteen minutes centre Cam Seaton went in following some fine handling with fly half Taran Elms adding the extras to give Pavs a 7-0 lead. Not to be out done Bridgnorth’s powerful forwards drove over and levelled the score with an additional well struck conversion from out wide. Bridgnorth then struck twice in quick time to advance their lead to 19-7 on twenty five minutes. A minute later impressive young flanker Josh Alton-Smith was on hand to finish off a fine backs move with typical pace and aggression and with the Elms extras narrow Bridgnorth’s lead to 19-14. Again the Shropshire side struck back late in the half to push further ahead at 26-14, before another talented youngster, Jack Taylor pounced on a speculative chip by scrum half Jonty Green to bring Pavs back in contention at 26-19. A high scoring an entertaining first half with seven tries scored provided more than ample entertainment for all concerned.
Bridgnorth began the second very much on the front foot and added to their lead at 31-19. Pavs then began to widen their game with away side tiring somewhat. Diminutive but speedy wing, Tom Davies outpaced his opponent on fifty-six minutes to score and bring Pavs yet again in contention at 31-24. As the game began to break up the young Pavs side began to find more room and it was no surprise when Davies again found space out wide to sprint to bring the scores to 31-29 on seventy-six minutes. Taran Elms stepped up with increasing confidence to adroitly slot the conversion from the touch line and level the scores at 31-31. The last four minute period was a fractious affair with Pavs surviving a late penalty scare following which the official signified the end of the game with a shrill blast of his whistle.
Again one must reflect on the tender years of this Pavs squad. Five of the back line are under 20 years of age and today were all involved in achieving the result. Upfront four of the forwards are either under or just into their 20s. The majority of the squad have come through the Pavs Juniors set up, this being testimony to the clear and open pathway to 1st XV rugby that is available to all who play for the club. As a young, relatively inexperienced and rather lightweight side compared with the rest of the division, Pavs have more than kept their heads above water. They are growing in confidence, resilience and are most importantly great mates who demonstrate the best precepts of the fellowship and friendship of rugby which is not always seen in these days of contracts and moveable loyalty. Nothing more to be said.
Squad - Steven Allen (C), Kieran Wells, Theo Collier, Ollie Hanson, Phil Eggleshaw, Josh Alton-Smith, Josh Hall, James Reeson, Jonty Green, Taran Elms, Tom Davies, Cam Seaton, Jack Taylor, Alex Rimmington, Matt Molyneux.
Rep - Ed James, Josh Flanagan, Lochlan Dudley.
Nigel Youl
Team Manager
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