Sat 10 Sep 2022
This weekend made their first away venture of the season over to Halifax to play Heath RFC. Pavs continue to build into the season by refreshing the squad and giving opportunities to youngsters Dan Flint, Harry Preston, George Dimmock and Lyndon Mukhadavire.
On a warm if rather dull afternoon it was the home side who made the better start. After five minutes Pavs tried to run the ball out of their 22, only to concede a penalty in front of their posts which was converted to give Heath a 3-0 lead. Pavs did not really heed this warning and as result fell further behind when trying to do the same thing at 10-0 on ten minutes. From this point Pavs found the going to be tough. With home side gaining in confidence and the referee regularly penalising Pavs when they found some possession further scores followed in quick succession. Pavs continued to battle bravely for the rest of the half, but unfortunately with little or no reward. Half time 38-0 in favour of Heath.
After the break, Pavs were rather more like their old selves. There was somewhat of a more pragmatic approach with a preparedness to find field position and to put pressure on a relatively untroubled Heath back three up to this point. They certainly stepped up their physicality and the game began to take on more of an equal contest. Heath further extended their lead with two tries, but Pavs bravely remained in the fight. A series of penalties were awarded to Pavs (finally!!) and from this they eventually drove over with Kieran Wells coming up with the ball and George Billam adding the extras. A Heath try on the final whistle rounded up the score to 57-7 in their favour.
So the positives !! The Pavs lineout was top draw, with jumpers Josh Flanagan and James Reeson dominating matters in both defence and attack, ably supported by the pack and hooker Kieran Wells. The attitude was also worthy of great praise. It would have been so easy to figuratively roll over, but every player put in a real shift right to the end of the game which is a real positive and truly deserving of the post match beer!!! Pavs may want to think about a more pragmatic approach at times, but no-one can doubt the spirit that burns bright within this young and collectively rather inexperienced squad. They will have better days in the future and there really is no shame to losing to a better side on the day. Learn the lessons, lick the wounds and move on. Onwards boys ……………….!!!
Next weekend Pavs welcome Ilkley RFC to The Stump in the first game between the two sides.
Squad – Allen, Wells, Baldry, Eggleshaw, Langan, Flanagan, Alton-Smith, Reeson, Preston, Billam G, Davies, Rimmington, Molyneux, Hatton, Flint. Rep – Collier, Dimmock, Mukhadavire
