This weekend Arnold‘s Pavs entertained Long Eaton RFC at The Stump in Round 5 of the Midlands 2 North competition for the first time in living memory. Pavs were able welcome back Doug Billam following injury as well as give a debut to another another talented youngster in centre Morgan Jones.
Following a bright start from Pavs, it was Long Eaton who opened the scoring with a well worked move off the lineout to go 7-0 on ten minutes. Both sides had opportunities in what looked an increasingly competitively equal affair.
Having said this, Long Eaton went further ahead following a series of forward drives at 14-0 on twenty seven minutes. The rest of the half returned to the stalemate of the period between the scores with the score remaining 14-0 in favour of the away side.
After the break, Pavs took the initiative with centre Harry Kerr crossing for his first try of the season and with the George Billam extras narrow the score at 14-7. Long Eaton then had a good “patch” and registered another score to extend their lead to 21-7.
Pavs then embarked on a comeback that saw them maintain possession and field position before scoring via a forward drive and touchdown by Phil Eggleshaw, with the Billam extras the score was closed to 21-14.
From this point on, Pavs took control and went close on a number of occasions. Dramatically, in the dying moments Pavs were awarded a series of penalties. Choosing to scrummage, number 8 Phil Eggleshaw crossed the line, but was deemed to have been held up by the official.
The Pavs faithful believed the ball was down and momentarily celebrated before their hopes were dashed, thus relinquishing the celebrations to the Long Eaton players and supporters that it was not.
The official immediately signalled the end of the game leaving the home side feeling disappointed and the away side elated. Final score 21-14 to Long Eaton.
Without being harsh, Pavs have been on top in the dying minutes in the last two weeks and failed to hammer home their advantage either to win or draw the game. This, of course, engenders an annoying sense of frustration in both the squad and their supporters.
There is, perhaps no specific answer to this, but an increase in bloody mindedness, determination and an unwillingness to compromise would help. Pavs undoubtedly have plenty of talent and ability, what they need is to develop is the confidence, will and intensity to make the most of these qualities.
Pavs now have a week off before travelling to Melbourne RFC on Saturday 14th October.
Squad- Steve Allen, Kieran Wells, Theo Collier, Aaron Langan, Tom Gladwin, Owen Taylor, Phil Eggleshaw (1 try), Danny Green, George Billam, Zak Walker, Harry Kerr (1 try), Morgan Jones, Alex Rimmington, Matt Molyneux.
Rep- Dan Hyams (28), Doug Billam (50), Richard Hatton (50).
Forward of The Match – Aaron “The Big Cat” Langan.
Back of The Match – Morgan “Moggy” Jones.
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/ .
