Sat 9 Apr 2022
This weekend Pavs welcomed Scunthorpe RFC to The Stump for the semi final of the Notts, Lincs and Derby cup. The Lincolnshire side had taken the points in the Midlands Premier league games earlier in the season, but as current holders Pavs were determined to to propel themselves into yet another final. As a consequence, training during the week prior to the game assumed a re-energised intensity. Pavs were able to welcome back the popular Callum Mason into the front row and were also able so select from the full squad.
The weather was warm and balmy at kick off unlike the last match between the two sides which was more like a mud bath than a game of rugby. Pavs made a start full of vim and vigour. On six minutes talented youngster Jack Taylor finished off a fine move to give Pavs the lead at 5-0. Not to be out done, Scunthorpe battled back and went close on a number of occasions only for the resilient Pavs defence to hold them out. Half time 5-0 in favour of Pavs.
Scunthorpe made a revitalised start to the second half and took the lead back via a series of powerful forward drives and ensuing conversion at 7-5. Pavs continued to look for width and on forty eight diminutive speedster Tom Davies sprinted in to score and with the George Billam extras retake the lead at 12-7. Again Scunthorpe fought back and scored again to go in front at 14-12. This was becoming an increasingly enthralling and topsy turvy affair!! George Billam added a penalty on sixty minutes to restore Pavs lead at 15-14. On sixty nine minutes, mercurial scrum half Jonty Green chipped through before chasing down his own kick and touching down to take Pavs further in front at 20-14.
Unfortunately, a Scunthorpe player then suffered a serious injury which caused the game to be continued on an adjacent pitch. The last nine minutes was a fraught affair with a real and growing sense of tension. Scunthorpe again went close and Pavs fought back repeatedly before the referee signalled the end of the game with Pavs in front at 20-14. Pavs will look back at a confidence boosting win and look forward to the final which will strangely take place in August on the eve of the new season. Our best wishes go to the injured Scunthorpe player and it is to be hoped that he makes a full and speedy recovery.
Next weekend Pavs play Doncaster RFC at The Stump in the final league game of the 21/22 season.
Nigel Youl
1st XV Manager
