Paviors RFC

The final score is slightly misleading because as the title alludes to, the score line is based on 2 halves each for the 2 teams we put out today against Belper. It was a fantastic morning of rugby for both clubs having the opportunity to play all our available players in games against opposition of similar strength. Paviors had 25 lads who all played every minute.

The only significant difference between the games was that one was played as 12 a side and scrums didn’t involve pushing, whilst the other was 13 a side with full current rules. The 12 a side game had more players new to the sport, but you’d have been hard pushed to identify those who have only been playing a few weeks, such was the quality and levels of commitment in both games. Games were played as 20 min halves, with 20 min rests between while the other game was played.

12 a side game. Final score Belper 10 v 40 Paviors

After the first half the score was 5 tries to 1 in Paviors favour. 2 tries for Finley and 1 each for Ayden, Ollie J and Dylan. Dylan’s try was created by Fin who selflessly passed just before the line to put Dylan in the clear. Great teamwork.

After a 20 minute break, the score in the second half was 3 tries to 1. Scorers were Brody, Sam and a 2nd try of the game for Ollie J playing out of position but flourishing on the wing. All the Paviors tries in this game came from the backs but that was based on solid forward play with solid rucks making Dylan’s job at scrum half much simpler to be able to feed Ollie D at Fly Half for the first time who distributed well to the rest of the backs.

Everyone played 40 minutes of rugby which is more than many of them have done in a match before and the fitness held up well. After an end to end “almost try episode” for Belper, we had players who had chased back the full length of the pitch to retrieve the ball and run it back up into the opposition’s half. The referee was struggling more than the players at this point.

13 a side game. Final Score Belper 5 v 25 Paviors

As soon as this game started you could feel the intensity level rise as the more experienced players took to the field for both teams. The first half was very competitive with both teams nullifying the others attacks with good tackling. The only try of the half was a well taken short range free kick that Harry tapped and drove over just like Luke Cowan-Dickie.

The second half was more free-flowing, and we opened the scoring through a powerful drive from Josh, but some missed tackles let Belper back in to score through their confident Nr 4 under the posts. The team spirit and leadership at this point shone through as they talked themselves up and came back to score, a first try for Isaac, as Belper started to lose their cool. Pavs continued to play well and scored again with Harry showing his wing like pace for his second and a great break and run to the corner for Monty to score the final try.

Both Paviors teams left some points on the pitch due to misplaced passes and taking the ball on too far individually. However, the positives from the day far outweigh the negatives. Our tackling was strong and generally low, our communication was much improved, there was leadership across the entire squad, we kept our heads and helped our teammates when the game got overheated. It was one of those days where we couldn’t pick a player of the match because everyone played so well.

The lads all came off the pitch smiling, comments were overheard about it being the best day and parents & coaches were all extremely proud of the way they played the game. This is why we love watching and coaching such a great bunch of young men. The score line was a bonus.