Sat 3 Sep 2022, 15:00
Welcome to the match report page for season 22-23. As you may or may not know the RFU have re-organised the leagues nationally, with Pavs being placed in Regional One North. This means that alongside erstwhile opposition clubs like Scunthorpe, Doncaster and West Bridgford, Pavs will also play Northern clubs like Ilkley, York, Alnwick and Heath (as well as today’s opposition Driffield RFC).
As ever Pavs, gave early opportunities to products of their academy in youngsters Luke Snowden, Harrison Hart and Dan Green, alongside more experienced members of the group in a side that is almost entirely home grown. On a balmy and warm September afternoon, Pavs made a bright start and took an early lead via a penalty, kick to the corner and a drive over by the entire pack, with hooker Kieran Wells coming up with the ball. Driffield grew into game with some strong forward runs. On fifteen minutes Pavs broke out with pacey inter passing between messrs Flanagan, Alton-Smith and James. Unfortunately, a stray Driffield arm got in the way of the last pass which caused the ball to go loose and to be gobbled up by the Driffield centre who then used the open spaces to find his way to the line and put Driffield in front at 7-5. Not to be out done Pavs then were then able to put together another forward drive from a lineout and retake the lead at 12-7. A further Billam penalty was to follow bringing the score to 15-7 in favour of the home side. Driffield then had a period of pressure of their own and narrowed the lead to 15-14, Late in the half, fly half George Billam ghosted into to score to bring the score to 22-14 at the break.
After the break, Driffield made the much more energetic start and forced Pavs back in to their own 22. Three tries were to follow in the next twenty minutes to put Driffield comfortably in front at 31-22 with Pavs seemingly to lack the vim and vigour to get back into the game. A late flourish saw the Pavs pack again drive over from a lineout and with the Billam conversion bring matters back into question at 31-29. Unfortunately, Pavs were unable to secure the extras points to win the game.
As a side Pavs hallmark is always to be adventurous and inventive, but one must also reflect that there are also occasions where “safety first” and the clearing kick would be more pragmatic in achieving a winning result. When Pavs find the balance between the two positive results will start to come. Next weekend Pavs travel over to Halifax to play Heath RFC, which is sure to be a stern challenge as the first away game in this league.
Squad – Allen, Wells, Baldry, Eggleshaw, Flanagan, James, Alton-Smith, Reeson, Taylor, Billam G, Hart, Billam D, Rimmington, Hatton, Snowden, rep Collier, Langan, Green D.
