SSE NATIONAL 3 NORTH
BRADFORD & BINGLEY 22 – 20 PERCY PARK
Park travelled to Bingley in West Yorkshire having made 2 changes to the side that had defeated Billingham the previous week. Andy Dunn was ruled out with an ankle injury and Ali Blair a ham string problem. Both hopefully should be available for the Burnage game in a fortnight.
Back at the start of the season Park won 45 – 15 at Preston Avenue, although since then both sides have struggled reflecting their relative positions towards the bottom of National 3 North. The game itself on a wet pitch was fairly evenly matched, but the added commitment from the home side saw them take maximum points although Park did manage 2 bonus points and could have easily made it 3 had the last kick of the game been converted.
Percy Park started well enough playing against the wind. The beefier home pack had the advantage in the set scum, but it was a steal against the head on half way that led to Park’s first try with Michael Langlands picking up and charging up the pitch. The last ditch tackle by the Bradford fullback saved a certain try, but Park retained possession and after a series of rucks Michael Langlands touched down on 4 minutes to give Park an early 5 – 0 lead. The conversion from Toby Davison looked to be going over, but the ball held up on the wind and the crossbar denied the extra 2 points.
The early exchanges were nervy with both sides kicking poorly and giving valuable possession away. A missed touch kick by Park allowed the home side to set up an attack with open side Chris Fisher crossing the line for and equalising try and again the woodwork got in the way of the conversion attempt by Phil Greaves.
Bradford and Bingley took the lead on 20 minutes with a try by wing Michael Wellington and the Greaves conversion gave the home side a 12 – 5 lead. Park’s chances improved a half time beckoned when centre Rikki Sheriffe was sin binned for a dangerous tackle. Park took play into the Bradford half and were awarded a kickable penalty but opted for a line-out near the corner which was defended by the home side and the half ended 12 – 5.
Three minutes into the second period Park scored their second try with a sweeping movement down the right side of the pitch with quick hands sending Guy Pike though the midfield. Two well judged passes by Pike to Walker then to Davison saw the full back go over for the try.
When Jack Davison was yellow carded on 48 minutes for persistent offending, Bradford took advantage with blind side Adam Malthouse scoring an unconverted try to take his side further ahead 17 – 10.
Park were always in the game, but with skipper Michael Langlands off the pitch with a nasty eye injury, the side seemed to lack a little in confidence. Stand in skipper Guy Pike led by example though and when he charged down a clearance kick by the home side, he retrieved the loose ball but slipped on the wet turf. An offload from the ground to Olly Walker saw his fellow centre race up the pitch to score this with Park a man down. Sadly the post once again denied Toby Davison the conversion and Park’s chance to draw level went a begging.
Bradford & Bingley have dominated many packs this season, and had the upper hand against the Park 8. A series of penalties led to scrum after scrum with Adam Malthouse eventually going over for his second try of the game on 66 minutes. Neither goal kicker seemed to be able to cope with the wet underfoot conditions, and the try was again unconverted.
With 14 minutes remaining Bradford looked the more likely side to come away with the win having secured their bonus point for scoring 4 tries. Park never gave up however as time ebbed away they too had a series of penalties to move ever closer to the Bradford try line. Another penalty was awarded and with the referee Mick Harris indicating last play, the ball was tapped and a ruck set up close to the home try line. Wave after wave was launched against the solid defensive line, but Park edged closer and closer and eventually Jack Davidson drove over for an important bonus point try.
Toby Davison had the chance to draw level with the last kick of the game. The Bradford players charged, some may say prematurely and the kick went wide. The cheers from the home players and supporters showed how much the win meant, and although they are still in the relegation zone they move to within 5 points of Park.
Next week the 1st XV have a break in the league program and play Burnage at home on 25th January 2014.
Candy League Conference A
Percy Park Lions 3 – 46 Darlington Mowden Park
This was another tough game for Park’s 2nd XV, and although the forward pack more than held their own, the experienced Mowden Park back line was the difference between the 2 sides. Next week the Lions travel to Crow Trees to play Blaydon Georgians.
Northumberland River Aln League
Percy Park Pumas 40 – 17 Whitley Bay Rockcliff Vikings
Percy Park Pumas won this double header against a Rockcliff 2nd XV keeping their league title hopes in sight.