Regional 2 Midlands North – September 2
This weekend Pavs began their campaign in Regional 2 Midlands North against Mellish RFC at The Stump. The two sides had last met fourteen years ago in the league, so there was a huge amount of local interest as well as a Vice Presidents’ day to swell the attendant crowd at Burntstump.
From the kick off it was Pavs who dominated matters and kept Mellish pinned back in their own half. On fifteen minutes Pavs took the lead following a driving maul and touch down by prop Dan Hyams. With Harry Kerr adding the extras Pavs took a 7-0 lead.
More was to follow when newly installed skipper Josh Alton-Smith did exactly the same thing and in so doing pushed Pavs into a 12-0.
Mellish for their part then fought back bravely and were rewarded with a score in the corner that was converted to bring the score to 12-7 in favour of the home side at the break.
After the break Mellish grew into the game and with injuries to Will and Owen Taylor Pavs seemed to lose a little direction. After several forays Pavs finally extended their lead via a well worked backs move with Dan Flint touching down and Kerr adding the extras and extend Pavs lead to 19-7.
Moving into the last fifteen minutes Pavs completed their scoring with a second driving maul try for Alton-Smith to bring the score to 24-7 to Pavs.
As the clock ticked down and with Pavs ringing the changes, Mellish doggedly fought back and scored to converted tries in quick time to bring the score to 24-21 to Pavs at the final whistle.
After the match Paviors Club President Neil Kendrick said:
“A great start to the season with both our senior men’s teams overcoming stiff opposition from our local rivals Mellish.
“In addition to our wins against Mellish, our Academy had a comfortable 45-5 win over Burton Academy”
So a bonus point win for Pavs and a fair start to the season. It is clear that the side is still finding its feet with some occasionally stylish play, but also not enough consistency of execution to make life comfortable for the supporters, the squad and the coaches. There is assuredly more to come from the group who look to move forward on the artificial surface at Walsall RFC next weekend.
Squad – Dan Hyams, Owen Taylor, Jake Baldry, Ben Allen, Theo Collier, Josh Flanagan, Josh Alton-Smith (C), Phil Eggleshaw, Dan Flint, Ben Taylor, Will Taylor, Harry Kerr, Danny Green, Alex Rimmington.
Rep-Richard Hatton (60 minutes),
Will Burrows (50 minutes), Aaron Langan (34 minutes)
Forward of The Match – Josh Alton-Smith
Back of The Match – Matt Molyneux
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/ .
