TEAM NORTHUMBRIA 0 – 95 PERCY PARK
In a howling gale and on a fast firm surface, Park inflicted a record defeat against Team Northumbria, and in doing so also scored their highest points tally in a game since league rugby began. The visitors played into the wind in the first half, and inside 5 minutes Jack Davidson had scored the first of Park’s 15 tries. Percy Park’s strong pack put the students under pressure on their own scrummage with Park’s open side pouncing on a loose ball and surging to the try line. Simon Greatham kicked the conversion.
From the restart Park were on the attack again and a powerful run by man of the match Joe Wafer saw the young prop break through several tackles before offloading to fellow front rower Allan Blakey who was stopped just short of the try line. The recycled ball found Greg Dixon who crossed the line, and again Simon Greatham converted to take the score to 0 – 14.
Percy Park were playing a fast open game with both backs and forwards involved in most of the plays, and after several phases in the Team North half fly-half Thomas Turnbull dummied and went through a gap in the defence throwing out a wide pass to Howard Stock on the right wing who went over in the corner. The strong wind made kicking extremely difficult and Simon Greatham was unable to add the extra points.
The bonus point came on 23 minutes when Park were awarded a scrum on half way. Hamish Lockwood picked up at the base and fed scrum half John Scott who did well to hold on the pass. The ball went wide to Ali Blair on the left flank and the winger set off and then stepped inside the cover defence to score an unconverted try.
Northumbria were being totally starved off possession and Ash Smith made several inroads through the home defence, and on one occasion only a last ditch tackle five metres from the line kept the Park full back from scoring. Howard Stock then received the recycled ball and crossed the line, but the try was disallowed.
Although some individual players from Team Northumbria were tackling themselves to a stand still, the defensive line was often breached. Park attacked the try line once again and scrum half John Scott was pulled into the ruck. With referee Mick Donkin playing advantage close to the home try line the ball was shipped out to Craig Fidler who drove over the line close to the posts, and Greatham converted for a 0 – 31 lead.
It was Simon Greatham who scored next for Park after breaking several tackles, and converted his own try. With the game approaching the break Park scored their final try of the half with a push over try from a 5 metre scrum, with number eight Hamish Lockwood getting the touch down. The conversion brought up 43 points.
In the second half, the students were playing into the teeth of the wind and with only a minute gone, Ali Blair scored his second try of the game as John Scott made another telling break from a scrum and set loose the pacey Park wing.
Minutes later, hooker Andy Dunn got on the score sheet, which was a just reward for his work rate and ball carrying throughout the game. Flanker Jack Davidson disposed a Team North player and was stopped short of the line before offloading to Andy Dunn to score.
Some poor tackling helped Howard Stock score his second try on 51 minutes and the conversion brought up the 60 points. At this stage Park made several substitutions, with Kai Downey Stephenson on for Jack Davidson, Phil Morse for Thomas Turnbull and Michael Birkett for Allan Blakey.
Ash Smith scored Park’s next try which came from a scrum on the ten metre line. Hamish Lockwood set John Scott away before the Park skipper fed the ball out to Ash Smith who broke several tackles to cross the line. Simon Greatham was on target with the conversion.
It seemed that Park were able to score at will, and with the home side unable to clear their lines by kicking against the strong wind they had no option but to run the ball out of defence. As soon as Park regained the ball the visitors scored again with Howard Stock making a telling break and offloading to David Griffiths to score under the posts, which made the conversion a formality.
Park’s remaining tries came from John Scott, Joe Wafer and finally Greg Dixon from a catch and drive. On the day despite the conditions Simon Greatham managed to convert 10 of the 15 tries.
Team Northumbria, to give them their due never gave up, but this heavy defeat will virtually guarantee their relegation back to Durham and Northumberland 1 next season. Next Saturday, Park take on Middlesbrough, in a game re-arranged after the frost in recent weeks.
PERCY PARK LIONS v NORTHERN WANDERERS
Percy Park Lions were looking forward to this quarter final cup game having won the cup in the previous two seasons. Unfortunately the designated referee did not turn up for the game. After several frantic phone calls a replacement referee was found, but unfortunately Northern refused to play, suggesting the referee was not up to the required level, citing player safety issues. Needless to say, there were conflicting views on the Park side, but the game did not take place, so the matter will be put in the hands of Northumberland Competition Committee.
PERCY PARK PUMAS 7 – 31 ALNWICK III
Alnwick progress to the semi-final after a strong display against the Pumas
PERCY PARK MARAUDERS 0 – 21 GOSFORTH FALCONS
Gosforth Falcons avenged their earlier league defeat at the hands of the Marauders, and were comfortable winners on the day, progressing to the semi-final.
PERCY PARK PENGUINS v PONTELAND VETERANS
Unfortunately Ponteland could not raise a side to play Park’s veterans and had to concede the tie. This means the Penguins progress to the next round to play the winners of Novo Centurions and Blyth III.
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Next week Park Lions play Tynedale Raiders at Percy Park in the Candy League Division 1. The Pumas play Gateahead IV away. The Marauders game against Rockcliffe Vikings is to be re-arranged as they are hosting a touring side.