Sat 27 Apr 2019, 15:00
The playing records of the two teams over the season suggested a tight game and excitement that is engendered, this was the case and it was a high scoring affair with the lead changing hands regularly. Pavoirs came out on top 33-30, and merited their victory on the day.
Storm Hannah, influenced the game with the conditions having an effect on the tactics employed by both teams. Though, it did remain fairly constant throughout and was neutral in that regard.
Being a one off game to be decided on the day DK had slipped into their cup mode, which was evident from the first penalty, which was awarded for a high tackle which stopped an early DK attack, up stepped Sam Vaughan, and pointed for the posts, in a league game it would have been headed for the corner, Wind assisted there were the first DK points on the board, 3-0.
Storm Hannah, influenced the game with the conditions having an effect on the tactics employed by both teams. Though, it did remain fairly constant throughout and was neutral in that regard.
Being a one off game to be decided on the day DK had slipped into their cup mode, which was evident from the first penalty, which was awarded for a high tackle which stopped an early DK attack, up stepped Sam Vaughan, and pointed for the posts, in a league game it would have been headed for the corner, Wind assisted there were the first DK points on the board, 3-0.
The opening period of the game saw DK make a bright start, and DK were awarded a second penalty following a good run from James Fildes when the Paviors tackler was adjudged to have held on, though this time the penalty slid past the upright, still 3-0 to DK.
Though, DK maintain their pressure on Paviors mainly through the centre combination of Will Hancox and Stef Shillingford and were able to force another kickable penalty, and this time Sam was on target for a second time and the lead was up to 6-0.
It was then like a switch had been clicked and it was a period of Pavoirs pressure, and on 24 minutes George Billam, put over a penalty to make the score 6-3 in favour of DK.
Though, DK maintain their pressure on Paviors mainly through the centre combination of Will Hancox and Stef Shillingford and were able to force another kickable penalty, and this time Sam was on target for a second time and the lead was up to 6-0.
It was then like a switch had been clicked and it was a period of Pavoirs pressure, and on 24 minutes George Billam, put over a penalty to make the score 6-3 in favour of DK.
Paviors despite playing into the wind started to dominate the play and launched an attack down the DK left, but a try saving tackle came in from Charlie Baffour, but Paviors retained the ball and moments later had worked the ball to the other wing and Alex Barton was put into space and scored a try in the corner, the conversion from out wide was defeated by Hannah, so Pavoirs into the lead 8-6.
Then, one of those moments that can be pivotal, Paviors were pressing their advantage home, applying pressure to the DK defence which was holding firm, and it was looking like Paviors would increase their lead, when the ball was spilt on the DK 22, and was collected by Tommy Walker, who won the race to the line, before the Paviors cover could stop him going in under the posts, plus two more from Sam, 13-8 to DK.
Then, one of those moments that can be pivotal, Paviors were pressing their advantage home, applying pressure to the DK defence which was holding firm, and it was looking like Paviors would increase their lead, when the ball was spilt on the DK 22, and was collected by Tommy Walker, who won the race to the line, before the Paviors cover could stop him going in under the posts, plus two more from Sam, 13-8 to DK.
There had been a couple of injury stoppages which meant there was a period of added time at the end of the first half, seasoned watchers of DK know that this is not their best time in games and so it proved in this game during the period added on Paviors added two tries; one of which was converted to a DK penalty, which meant DK entered half time 20-16, behind, with hindsight this was probably where the game slipped away.
Half time was a crucial period could the coach’s refresh the team for the second half impart what they were seeing form the side, and focus the team for the second half which was not out of reach, James Ryan and Danny Hawkins were brought on in the pack. 40 minutes to go and DK could afford to leave nothing on that pitch in the second half.
Half time was a crucial period could the coach’s refresh the team for the second half impart what they were seeing form the side, and focus the team for the second half which was not out of reach, James Ryan and Danny Hawkins were brought on in the pack. 40 minutes to go and DK could afford to leave nothing on that pitch in the second half.
DK, certainly had the bit between their teeth in the opening exchanges of the second half, and they dropped into their high tempo possession based game, which was starting to bring dividends with a steady movement towards the Paviors 22.
The first attack which showed what DK could achieve was based on another James Fildes burst through the defence, the ball was recycled and then move down the slope to Charlie Baffour, who slipped the ball back inside to Matt Perks who dented the Paviors outside defence with a good carry which again made inroads into Paviours territory, the ball was recycled and it was on to Danny Hawkins who made more ground trucking the ball into the Pavoirs 22, where the move was halted, but the tone had been set.
The first attack which showed what DK could achieve was based on another James Fildes burst through the defence, the ball was recycled and then move down the slope to Charlie Baffour, who slipped the ball back inside to Matt Perks who dented the Paviors outside defence with a good carry which again made inroads into Paviours territory, the ball was recycled and it was on to Danny Hawkins who made more ground trucking the ball into the Pavoirs 22, where the move was halted, but the tone had been set.
That attack was followed up by a similar move which led to DK’s second try, it began in the DK half with a backs movement which gave Tommy Walker an edge to exploit on the DK right, Tommy was off down the wing, but with the cover defence forcing him back inside he looking to the forwards to carry the move on, a quick ruck the ball was then moved to Pete Griffiths who was able to find a weak shoulder in the defence and keep the move going into the 22 and Pete offloaded to Stef Shillingford, who took the ball into what looked like contact, but a pirouette from Stef left the defender bamboozled and Stef with a clear run to the posts, and Sam adding the extras DK were back in the lead 23-20.
Paviors then came back into the game, they were able to use the wind and their local knowledge to apply pressure and this led to a try which when it was converted DK were back into the lead 27-23.
Obviously, with 20 minutes at least remaining the game was far from over and DK brought on Nick Adams and Callum Nicholls to up the tempo and pose some different threats. Though, it became death by penalty for DK two more for Paviors saw the game reach 33-23.
Paviors then came back into the game, they were able to use the wind and their local knowledge to apply pressure and this led to a try which when it was converted DK were back into the lead 27-23.
Obviously, with 20 minutes at least remaining the game was far from over and DK brought on Nick Adams and Callum Nicholls to up the tempo and pose some different threats. Though, it became death by penalty for DK two more for Paviors saw the game reach 33-23.
The game went into its final throws with everyone looking at their timepieces, wondering if there was enough time left in the case of DK supporters, while the home crowd were willing the referee to blow for time.
Time was running short when DK took advantage of a defence that had been caught off balance by their speed of thought, and suddenly Stef Shillingford was clear in front of the posts and over, Sam Vaughan rushed up and drop kicked the conversion over, but that only brought the Referee’s whistle for full time, 33-30 to Paviors.
Hearty congratulations to Paviors and a DK eye will be kept on their progress next season.
It was a monumental effort by the team, which almost saw them achieve their aim. There were 19 heroes on the field at Paviors and another 12 who had run onto the field and done the Blue and Blue proud during this season.
To misquote General MacArthur, “We will return”
Time was running short when DK took advantage of a defence that had been caught off balance by their speed of thought, and suddenly Stef Shillingford was clear in front of the posts and over, Sam Vaughan rushed up and drop kicked the conversion over, but that only brought the Referee’s whistle for full time, 33-30 to Paviors.
Hearty congratulations to Paviors and a DK eye will be kept on their progress next season.
It was a monumental effort by the team, which almost saw them achieve their aim. There were 19 heroes on the field at Paviors and another 12 who had run onto the field and done the Blue and Blue proud during this season.
To misquote General MacArthur, “We will return”
