Paviors RFC

The U14’s had their second NLD match of the season at home against a West Bridgford side who we knew would be up for a good game after our last encounter before Christmas where we narrowly won despite a strong 2nd half from the opposition. We were missing a few players from that game, especially in the forwards where we were missing 4 lads to injury. Some longer term and one due a toenail incident the day before (no photo’s I promise).

The day started with a great surprise for the team as they walked into a changing lined with a brand new set of shirts that Sean had hung before they arrived. Thank you to our sponsors for the new shirts: Attenborough Doors, Tech-Wright, Peter Shaw Roofing, Smart-Direct Grass, Tannhauser Property Development. The lads looked great in them and got to put them on just before kick off and run out onto the 1st XV Pitch for this game.

The game started strongly for both teams with some dominant tackles being put in all over the pitch. West Bridgford made good ground through the middle from their powerful fullback where our initial tackler slowed him but the follow ups players went too high. This led to West Bridgford scoring and another try also came in the first half but both conversions were missed.

Paviors got into their stride and also scored 2 tries in the first half. The first saw the ball passed out wide to Isaac on the wing who looked like he had too much to do to finish the try but his strength got him over the line. Paviors kept the pressure on in the opposition’s 22 leading to Bridgford mistakes. Chances were created from good line outs, looping runs from the centres and use of space out wide but the tackles kept coming from throughout the Bridgford team.

Paviors second try eventually came from a Nr 8 pick at the base of a scrum close to the try line. Harry went to the blindside drawing in 4 tacklers and off loading to Cole who was just held back. The ball was then shipped to the openside where Fin dummied and dived full stretch to score close to the posts. Owen converted this to give Paviors a 12-10 lead at half time.

The second half was stopped shortly after it started due to an injury to a West Bridgford prop in a scrum. We were all very concerned and a group of 1st aider, coaches and on hand medical professionals took care of him until the ambulance arrive. The good news is that we have been informed that the injury is muscular and he’s doing OK. Thanks to everyone who assisted, especially those who did not get to watch the rest of the game.

The game was moved down to the far pitch for the remainder of the time and after about a 15 minute break we resumed with Paviors playing up the hill. Although we continued to apply pressure we lacked communication at times and didn’t support players as well as we could, didn’t realise we needed to chase kicks or took the ball into contact too much when there was space away from the rucks. It meant our attacks weren’t as potent as they could have been and West Bridgford continued to defend really well.

Despite some very good defence in the second half from us, our tackling let us down again a couple of times. A further decisive run from their full back gained them lots of Go Forward and led to a try. And an excellent mazy run full of speed, dummies and jinks from their Paviors nominated man of the match led to a really good individual try that sealed the game and had the West Bridgford crowd in raptures.

It was a tough loss as we felt we it was a game we really could have won. The break in the game probably disrupted us but it was the same for both teams. We had opportunities to score more but didn’t take them however all the lads performed well and shouldn’t be too dis-heartened. Hopefully they feel the same as my Oli and still enjoyed the game despite the result. We move on to the next round which will be the NLD Bowl Semi Final on 10th April.

The Paviors man of the Match nominated by the opposition was Fin who made some very good tackles and scored a try. The Fudge Stick award was given by his team mates to Danny. I’m not 100% sure what for. Maybe I shouldn’t ask.

There are hundreds of photo’s on our U14’s FB page thanks to official team photographer, Hilary. Thanks once again for watching the game through your lens.