Scunthorpe 45 – 24 Paviors

Scunthorpe secured their place in the Regional 1 North East league and will continue to play Level 5 rugby next season. There was a great crowd at Heslam Park to witness a very workmanlike display from the Greens who thoroughly deserved the victory and prevented their NLD rivals from gaining any bonus points which would have taken the relegation decider to the final weekend. As it is Scunthorpe are safe in knowing that their visit to Sandal next week is a dead rubber.

Scunthorpe started like a house on fire, and they really set their stall out, determined to claim the spoils. Within two minutes a chance went begging as Nick Dyson took the quick tap, he fed Ben Hyde who galloped into the 22, the ball was recycled only to be knocked on and the chance went begging. The first score came four minutes later as again Scunthorpe were on the attack. The Greens made inroads into the Pavs 22, the ball came right and the Pavs wingman deliberately knocked on to prevent a two man overlap. The referee had no option to award Scunthorpe the penalty try. Another chance went begging from a line out close to the try line Scunthorpe but coughed up the ball. Paviors talented fly half George Billam slotted over a penalty as the home side were pinged for hands in the ruck. Paviors chins were now up and they started to have more of the possession. Scunthorpe slipped back into their old ways and after the third penalty in three minutes Paviors eventually scored a try in the corner through Alex Rimmington. Billam converted the extra two, 7-10. Fortunately, Scunthorpe kicked back into gear sparked by an exhilarating run from Jack Leggate. Paviors were penalized and from the resulting catch and drive line out the pack drove over with Gareth Mist claiming the five points. Ben Hyde picked up the kicking duties and slotted over difficult conversion 14-10. Scunthorpe scored immediately after the kickoff. It was another quick tap penalty that put Will Harrison in the clear. The defence looked to have each player covered but an outrageous dummy from the makeshift flanker opened up the space. Harrison strode through, fed Ben Hyde who strolled over for the try which he converted himself. Scunthorpe were on fire and scored two more tries before half time through skipper Grant Elliot and Will Harrison, securing the try bonus – both tries converted by Ben Hyde. The half time whistle blew with the scoreboard showing a 35-10 lead – hopefully Scunthorpe could maintain the difference and claim the spoils.

Paviors had other ideas and they came out of the blocks all fired up. After all, if they could score 4 tries and get within 7 points they would claim two bonus points and take things to the last week. After 53 minutes Paviors scored a well worked try through Ben Taylor. Scunthorpe had surrendered possession and territory with a silly penalty. Paviors attacked and George Billam saw a nice gap to put Taylor in for 5 points. Billam converted. Scunthorpe had a great chance to regain the initiative after Paviors gave away a penalty and then a further 10 metres for backchat. The line was 5 metres out but the throw went astray and the chance was lost. Paviors scored their third try on the hour as Taylor claimed a brace, Billam converted and now Paviors had those bonus points within their sights. There was still fifteen minutes to go and Scunthorpe kicked into gear playing probably the best fifteen minutes of league rugby of the season. They controlled the game and snuffed out the Pavs threat. From another Paviors penalty Si Fisher claimed a try after the Bridlington move was well marshalled by Gaz Mist. James Dyson scored a great try started by his big brother Nick who went through the ruck, as is his trademark, Joey Mowbray was in support, and he made great progress before slipping the ball to James who just managed to get the ball down. With Ben Hyde off the field Josh Lugsden claimed the extra two and with three minutes to go it was a case of the home side keeping the ball to see the game out. This they did with great aplomb. They kept their cool and played with great patience denying Paviors any scoring opportunities. As the game drew to a close Tim Robinson’s men were awarded a penalty. They consulted with the ref and decided to go for goal knowing as long as the ball goes dead or over the game was done. Josh Lugsden stepped booted the ball with all his might, faded the post but thankfully went dead. This secured the win and level 5 rugby next season. Scunthorpe played extremely well and managed the game superbly to get over the line. There are now a series of cup games to see the season out.