Midlands 2 North – October 14
This weekend Arnold‘s Pavs travelled over to Melbourne RFC in round 6 of the Midlands 2 North rugby competition for the first 1st XV fixture between the two clubs. Pavs were able to welcome back Will Taylor and Doug Billam from injury in a pacey looking backline.
From the kick off, it was Melbourne who took the early initiative with some strong forward plays. Accordingly, they scored their first try on three minutes, followed by a second on thirteen minutes to go 14-0 up.
During this early period, Pavs had been playing some expansive rugby, but seemingly got punished every time there was error. On nineteen minutes, Pavs finally crossed the line when the Billam brothers combined and a skilful behind the back pass from George was snaffled by Doug who then sprinted in to score.
George then added the extras the narrow Melbourne’s lead to 14-7. Not to be outdone, Melbourne again powered back after a strong period of Pavs play to again extend their lead to 19-7 at half time.
Immediately after the break, the expansive style that Pavs always try to play with was well rewarded when hooker Owen Taylor finished off a fine movement and with the Billam extras again bring Melbourne within range at 19-14.
The home side added a penalty to go 22-14 up on forty nine minutes. From this point on, Pavs seemed to grow in confidence, with the multi phase play they had been trying to establish in the first half now being executed with no little style and skill. On fifty three minutes, a slick wide passing move saw Will Taylor sprint in to touch down and with another Billam conversion narrow Melbourne’s lead to 22-21.
Pavs confidence then built further, with scrum half Ben Taylor taking the ball from the back of a well executed driving maul to score and put Pavs in front in seventy minutes at 26-22. The last ten minutes was a harum scarum affair with both sides competing strongly in all areas.
Moving into the last three minutes, Melbourne camped on Pavs line. Aaron Langan and Matt Molyneux were invited to take a ten minute rest, leaving Pavs with just thirteen players to defend the lead.
A huge defensive effort saw Pavs turn the ball over on their own line before being awarded a penalty which George Billam put in to touch with still a minute left on the clock. Both sides went at it hammer and tong, before Ben Taylor punted the ball into touch to secure a hard fought for victory.
A highly entertaining game, thoroughly enjoyed by the gathered throngs and also one that should give Pavs the confidence boost they need. They scored 19 points to 3 in the second half and had to defend for their lives away from home – no better way to prepare for next week’s home fixture against Sutton Coldfield RFC where Pavs will look to take their building form up another level.
Squad – Steve Allen, Owen Taylor (1 try), Jake Baldry, Aaron Langan, Theo Collier,Josh Flanagan, Josh Alton-Smith, Phil Eggleshaw, Ben Taylor (1 try), George Billam (3 conv), Will Taylor (1 try), Morgan Jones, Doug Billam (1 try), Alex Rimmington, Matt Molyneux.
Rep – Tom Gladwin (70 mins), Harry Kerr, Harry Pritchard.
Forward of the Match – The Pack !!
Back of The Match – The Backline!!
Paviors Rugby Club play at Burntstump Hill, Arnold, NG5 8PQ and the club runs over twenty teams.
New players are always welcome – girls, boys, men & women, there is a team for all.
Further information about the club including contact details can be found on http://www.paviorsrfc.co.uk/ .