Sat 12 Nov 2022
This weekend Pavs welcomed Cleckheaton RFC to The Stump for Round 10 of the Regional North East One competition. No-one could have foreseen the 12 try topsy turvy, pot pourri of rugby that ensued on a weirdly balmy afternoon for November.
As it was Pavs made the better start. Big Joe Crossland made early inroads into the Cleckheaton 22 only to be repelled by committed defence. Having said this, on Cleckheaton’s first venture out of their half, Jack Marshall took advantage of weak Pavs tackling to score and give Cleckheaton the early lead at 5-0. Minutes later Dom Flanagan put the away side further ahead at 10-0 with the Dale Breakwell conversion to follow. This seemed to galvanise Pavs into action. Following a fine passage of play, wing Tom Davies went in at the corner to bring Pavs back into the game at 5-12. On thirty minutes, flanker James Reeson fought his way over and with the George Billam extras brought the score level at 12-12. On thirty two minutes, Cleckheaton’s Breakwell added a penalty to their tally before the official adjudged that Pavs wing Alex Rimmington had been illegally tackled when going for the line and awarded Pavs a penalty try to give Pavs the lead at 19-15 on thirty seven minutes. There was still time left for Cleckheaton to score again and Joe Flanagan crossed the whitewash on the last play. Breakwell’s extras gave them back the lead at 22-19. It was a breathless first half with both sides seemingly able to score at will, but with neither side being able to grab the game firmly by its scruff of the neck.
Immediately after the break and following a foot race, Cleckheaton’s hapless full back was deemed to have committed another illegal tackle on the speedy Davies and was invited to leave the action. Another penalty try was awarded to put Pavs back in front at 26-22. On forty five minutes, Tom Davies was again on hand to score and with Billam’s conversion put fresh air between the two sides at 33-22. From this point on, Cleckheaton fought back bravely. On fifty minutes, Ollie Lepledge finished off a powerful drive to narrow Pavs lead to 33-29 with Breakwell’s extras. More was to come on sixty minutes when Brad Marsden returned a Pavs kick almost untouched to snatch back the lead at 36-33. Not to be outdone, fit again young flanker Josh Alton-Smith drove over to take Pavs back in front with Billam’s extras making it 40-36. With the scoreboard finding it difficult to keep up, Cleckheaton’s Ollie Lepledge added his second try on sixty seven minutes. Breakwell’s extras retook the lead at 43-40. So, with thirteen minutes left it was game on. Pavs virtually camped in the Cleckheaton half, eschewed the temptation to go for a draw from a penalty and instead went for the win. Unfortunately, they were not able to add a further score, accordingly Cleckheaton took the five points with Pavs earning two valuable points to add to their season’s tally.
A rather crazy afternoon for all concerned!!!! Pavs a rest week next Saturday, but will be keen to use the extra time in training to prepare for the visit to Doncaster Phoenix on 26th November. Onwards ………!!!
Squad - Allen, Wells, Hyams, Crossland, Langan, Flanagan, Reeson, Eggleshaw, Taylor B, Billam G, Rimmington, Kelly, Billam D, Davies, Molyneux.
Replacements- Flint (45 mins), Taylor O (48 mins), Alton-Smith 52 mins).
Man of the Match (selected by Pavs Committee) - Kieran Wells.
“Mentioned in Dispatches” - Joe Crossland, Josh Flanagan, Jared Kelly, Phil Eggleshaw, Tom Davies.
Nigel Youl
Team Manager
