North One East
Sheffield 17 – 10 Percy Park
With both teams having won their last 6 consecutive league games, top played 2nd at Abbeydale as Park travelled to play Sheffield. Interestingly 3rd placed Wheatley Hills were playing 4th spot Dinnington in a “super Saturday” for North 1 East.
Conditions were cold but ideal for rugby but for the low winter sun which Sheffield had to contend with in their eyes for the 1st half. It soon became apparent that this was a top of the table clash as a fast paced game unfolded with both sides evenly matched, although Park probably had more of the possession.
With Rich Berne, Harry Watson, Josh Hedley and James Ponton all unable to travel, Park made a few adjustments with Jonny Kidd as front row replacement, Stu Cannon into the back row, Karl Thompson at lock and Toby Davison moved in from the wing to centre to allow the return of Liam Blackburn. Unfortunately Davison took a knock early on, and replacement Michael Grove came on earlier than he would have anticipated.
Sheffield hadn’t conceded a single point in their 2 previous games, but that run came to an end as Ash Smith kicked a 23rd minute penalty. The game was evenly balanced until just before half time when a rare defensive lapse by Park saw centre Leigh Sanders power through to score near the posts to allow an easy conversion for Jimmy Pearson for a home side lead of 7 – 3.
Percy Park had the chance to cut the arrears with a penalty in front of the posts, but just inside the Sheffield half with the final play of the first period, but the kick fell short and the home side cleared the ball as the whistle went for half time. Such was the pace of the game that the first half seemed to fly over.
After the break the Tykes had a chance to stretch the lead, but a long-range penalty was hooked just left of the upright. Park continued to press the home defence in phase after phase, but the Sheffield’s line held firm and then somewhat against the run of play they scored wide right through wing Rupert Broadley after a clearance kick was charged down. Veteran fly half and captain Jimmy Pearson who was later honoured for playing his 200th game for the club, missed with the conversion.
Park were back on the offensive and were awarded a penalty outside the Sheffield 22, but this was reversed as referee Dean Walker sent Andy Dunn and Tommy Marples to the bin, after a minor spat in which they were clearly not exchanging addresses for Christmas cards.
Minutes later Sheffield scored their 3rd try this time on the left wing as Joe McHale was credited with the touch down, although the Park defence was adamant that he had been held up over the line.
With the home side 17 – 3 up and with only 10 minutes or so remaining, the home supporters seemed confident of a win. Park however continued the pressure and were rewarded with a try as John Scott sniped through a gap in the defence to score under the posts. With time running out, the Park scrum half hastily drop kicked the conversion to bring his side back into losing bonus point territory, and a converted try of sharing the points.
With only minutes remaining Sheffield ensured that Park would have to attack from deep, and with the final play they were awarded a penalty. The long- range attempt could have denied Park the bonus point, but a missed kick could have meant a counter attack, so the Yorkshiremen chose to kick the ball dead to end the game.
This was a thrilling game, in which Park’s pack probably had the edge, but the Sheffield back line looked more dangerous in attack on the day.
Next week Park are back at Preston Avenue to play Ilkley, looking to avenge the defeat earlier in the season.
Candy League Division 1
Percy Park Lions 19 – 13 Tynedale Raiders
This was an excellent performance by Park’s 2nd XV beating Tynedale for the first time in many seasons. Park’s tries came from Josh Lake and Kieran Sutherland, with Paul Spowart kicking 3 penalties.
Next week the Lions entertain Billingham.