Percy Park Academy 19 Northern 14
Park continued their winning streak, maintaining their league title push but were made to fight hard for it from a plucky Northern side. With a number of players out injured, some tactical switches for player development, plus blooding of some under 16's, Park produced a workmanlike performance rather than a spectacular display. The first half started well with Jonnie Burn touching down a clever kick through from Jack Dent, converted by Zac Rutter. Matthew Robson scored another through power and pace, though the conversion went wide. Pick of the tries came from Stevie Irving who's lovely dummy saw him in under the posts from the half way line, again converted by Rutter. At 19-0 it looked like a romp in the park for Park but a combination of mistakes, strange refereeing interpretations and the addition of Gosforth High School / Falcons academy players into the Northern ranks put a hold on this. Strong running centres proved a handful for the Park defence and they stored near the end of the first half to make it 19-7 at half time.
Park struggled to come to terms with the referee calls at scrum time, being told to hold the push even when going backwards! Northern's committment got rewarded with another converted try, while Park lost Murphy to a yellow card for a late tackle on the tryscorer. At 19-14 the game could of gone either way and a fine last man tackle by Scott Taylor saved an almost certain try. Park pushed for the Northern line through line-out drives and forward moves but were somewhat relieved when the final whistle blew.
Not a vintage display but some essential game time for players returning to fitness as well as upcoming under 16's.
Final score Park 19 Northern 14
Man of the Match: Ben Davis