Sat 9 Apr 2022
Burton 49 Pavs 14
This weekend Pavs made the short trip over to Burton RFC for their final away game and penultimate league fixture of the season in The Midlands Premier competition. The reciprocal home fixture was a high scoring affair with Pavs coming out on top at 44-36.
From the kick and the first fifteen minutes it was Pavs who dominated affairs with some stylish play. Burton defended manfully and held out against a number of attacks. As always happens with these things, if a score is not recorded after all this pressure the opposition will eventually have their own opportunities. After twenty minutes a missed tackle in midfield saw Burton break through and score under the posts and take a 7-0 lead. This seemed to “dent” Pavs confidence somewhat and Burton further extended their lead to 14-0 on thirty minutes. Pavs kept in the game and from a first phase scrum ball moved the ball swiftly through the backline with speedy wing Will Taylor just touching down in the corner and George Billam adding the extras from out wide to narrow the lead to 14-7 at the break.
The expectation was that the second half was going to be as close and competitive as the first. Pavs received the kick, but a dropped catch saw them immediately on the back foot. Burton made the best use of this and quickly extended their lead. This seemed to really knock Pavs confidence whilst also boosting Burtons’ and for the next period Pavs found the going difficult especially when talented centre Jack Taylor was forced to leave the fray and hooker Kieran Wells was sinbinned for a very innocuous tackle which was deemed to be high by the official. (One must also say, not the first such questionable decision that was made on the day). No matter the circumstances Pavs just had to get on with it. Two Burton tries followed before Pavs rallied and following a succession of penalties were able to drive over to bring the score to 42-14 going into the last the play. Burton concluded matters with a well taken try to bring the score to 49-14 in their favour on the final whistle.
As a very young and inexperienced side for the most part, Pavs confidence remains rather fragile as the season draws to a close. There is no doubt that they are talented and well coached by the brothers Eggleshaw, but only time will give them the experience that they will need to progress in this league. It is easy to focus on the negatives in difficult times, but Pavs have so much to offer as a side and as a club that they ought to remember the maxim “Form is temporary, class is permanent” In so doing they will understand that this process is part of the cycle of success, getting through the dark times will help them value and appreciate the success when it comes and accordingly make them better rugby players and young men. Onwards ………………………….
Next weekend Pavs welcome Scunthorpe RFC to The Stump for the NLD Cup semi final and on the 23rd April Doncaster RFC in the final fixture of the 2021-22 season.
Nigel Youl
1st XV Manager
