Last weekend, Pavs travelled to the very salubrious surroundings Doncaster Knights’ Castle Park to take on Doncaster Phoenix in the latest round of the Midlands Premier competition. Phoenix have strengthened in recent weeks, whilst Pavs are searching for the early season from that saw them defeat the Yorkshire side at The Burntstump in September.
On a cold, but sunny afternoon and on a firm “hybrid” pitch, it was clear that both sides were able to run the ball without the mud and mire of other current pitches proving problematic. Phoenix took an early lead via a well struck penalty, before Pavs were able to put a series of plays together to allow wing Alex Barton to score and put Pavs in the lead at 5-3. Fly half George Billam, then further extended Pavs lead with a try and conversion at 12-3. Not to be outdone, Phoenix broke free for the open side wing to sprint in and narrow the score to 12-10 in Pavs favour. It was clear that this was not to be a game for the faint hearted, where twists and turns were beginning to exude a labyrinthine quality. Following this, back rower Tom Walton, completed a well organised lineout drive to again extend Pavs lead with the Billam extras to 19-10. Predictably, Phoenix hit back to narrow the lead at 19-17. Matt Molyneux added another try to take Pavs to 26-17 before yet again Phoenix fought back with a try in the last minute of the half. Half time 26-22 in Pavs favour, but with game teetering of a very thin knife’s edge.
After the break both sides vied for possession before Phil Eggleshaw touched down and with customary Billam extras take Pavs out to a 33-22 lead. Of course, Phoenix were not going to lay down and another scored followed to again narrow the lead at 33-29. With five minutes left abrasive flanker Josh Hall pounced on a loose ball from a lineout to touch down and give Pavs a 40-29 lead. Phoenix got the ball back into play immediately and with three minutes left on the clock squeezed into the tightest of corners to score and with a superbly struck drop goal conversion by the young fly half bring them back into the game at 40-36. Phoenix then camped in Pavs twenty two and forced penalty after penalty. On eighty seven minutes, the referee finally awarded Phoenix a penalty try to take them into the lead at 43-40 and then signal the end of the game.
For the objective spectator this was a wonderful game of rugby with both sides playing in a vibrant modern style, often eschewing the kick for the hands and valuing tries above penalties. Phoenix continued their current improvement, whilst Pavs returned to the highly committed, skilful open running style that has perhaps eluded them in recent weeks and in the current conditions. Clicheically, this was a game that neither side deserved to lose. As it was Phoenix snatched the laurels in the last minute but Pavs can now go on with renewed confidence in their ability, and after the season’s celebrations, take on Kettering RFC at The Stump.
Nige Youl
Team Manager
On a cold, but sunny afternoon and on a firm “hybrid” pitch, it was clear that both sides were able to run the ball without the mud and mire of other current pitches proving problematic. Phoenix took an early lead via a well struck penalty, before Pavs were able to put a series of plays together to allow wing Alex Barton to score and put Pavs in the lead at 5-3. Fly half George Billam, then further extended Pavs lead with a try and conversion at 12-3. Not to be outdone, Phoenix broke free for the open side wing to sprint in and narrow the score to 12-10 in Pavs favour. It was clear that this was not to be a game for the faint hearted, where twists and turns were beginning to exude a labyrinthine quality. Following this, back rower Tom Walton, completed a well organised lineout drive to again extend Pavs lead with the Billam extras to 19-10. Predictably, Phoenix hit back to narrow the lead at 19-17. Matt Molyneux added another try to take Pavs to 26-17 before yet again Phoenix fought back with a try in the last minute of the half. Half time 26-22 in Pavs favour, but with game teetering of a very thin knife’s edge.
After the break both sides vied for possession before Phil Eggleshaw touched down and with customary Billam extras take Pavs out to a 33-22 lead. Of course, Phoenix were not going to lay down and another scored followed to again narrow the lead at 33-29. With five minutes left abrasive flanker Josh Hall pounced on a loose ball from a lineout to touch down and give Pavs a 40-29 lead. Phoenix got the ball back into play immediately and with three minutes left on the clock squeezed into the tightest of corners to score and with a superbly struck drop goal conversion by the young fly half bring them back into the game at 40-36. Phoenix then camped in Pavs twenty two and forced penalty after penalty. On eighty seven minutes, the referee finally awarded Phoenix a penalty try to take them into the lead at 43-40 and then signal the end of the game.
For the objective spectator this was a wonderful game of rugby with both sides playing in a vibrant modern style, often eschewing the kick for the hands and valuing tries above penalties. Phoenix continued their current improvement, whilst Pavs returned to the highly committed, skilful open running style that has perhaps eluded them in recent weeks and in the current conditions. Clicheically, this was a game that neither side deserved to lose. As it was Phoenix snatched the laurels in the last minute but Pavs can now go on with renewed confidence in their ability, and after the season’s celebrations, take on Kettering RFC at The Stump.
Nige Youl
Team Manager
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