Paviors RFC

Walsall 34   Paviors 19

This weekend Pavs visited Walsall RFC reputedly for the first time in almost 50 years. Both clubs have developed exponentially over that period with a similar outlook on community based rugby, so an interesting afternoon was in the offing.

From the kick-off, on a blisteringly hot afternoon and on an artificial 4G pitch, it was Pavs who grabbed the initiative in the best opening quarter for many a moon. Flanker Josh Alton-Smith opened the scoring following a lineout drive and was followed by a George Billam score minutes later, to put Pavs 12-0 up after fifteen minutes. The turnaround that followed in the next 25 minutes was, however, rather spectacular.  Pavs continued to press and made a number of forays into the Walsall twenty-two. Unfortunately, any ball that was lost immediately led to expansive Walsall play and counter attack which led to four tries in quick time to give them the lead at the break 22-12. In the heat and the fast surface, Pavs looked a little shell-shocked and frustrated to be behind after such a good start.

This pattern was to be repeated in the second half, when Walsall’s pacey backs pounced on anything loose to evade their Pavs counterparts and score again on the counter attack. The home side increased their lead to 34-12 on 60 minutes. At this stage, Walsall’s replacement hooker was sent from the field for a late and high tackle. Pavs kept battling away, going close on a number of occasions, but one was always aware that another fast counter attack was on the cards if Pavs were turned over. Finally, Pavs seemed to regain some of the vim and vigour of the opening quarter and finished the game off with a stylish movement that saw youngster Luke Snowden go in at the corner.

Final score 34-19 to Walsall.

For possibly 35 minutes in this game Pavs looked a top side, moving the ball well and following the processes brought in by coaches Phil Eggleshaw and Jonty Green. At other times, erratic tackling and failure to adapt to the surface and the opposition left them looking rather wanting. The squad will undoubtedly seek to work hard during the week and looks to put matters right against Wolverhampton RFC at home next weekend.

Squad- Steve Allen, Owen Taylor, Jake Baldry, Ben Allen, Theo Collier, Josh Alton-Smith (1 try), Josh Flanagan, Phil Eggleshaw, Ben Taylor, George Billam (1 try, 2 conv), Alex Rimmington, Doug Billam, Harry Kerr, Danny Green, Dan Flint.

Rep- Aaron Langan (35), Will Burrows (50), Luke Snowden (60) (1 try)

Forward of The Match - Ben Allen