NORTH 1 EAST
PERCY PARK 7 – 16 ALNWICK
Park lost their season’s unbeaten home league record going down to Alnwick who have now won their last 4 league games and are pulling themselves up to mid table in North 1 East. The game was moved to the nearby Kings Priory School pitch as the high winds had brought down one of the posts on the 1st XV pitch, and for the match the wind speed had reduced from hurricane to a mere gale force.
Percy Park had won the earlier encounter at Alnwick, but with their recent improved form the visitors were looking for another win
Alnwick had the slight slope advantage and some benefit from the cross wind in the first half and the game was tight for the first 20 minutes before James Bird put his side ahead with a penalty.
Alnwick kept up the pressure in Park territory and were rewarded with an Elliot try on 27 minutes after several phases of play. Bird kicked the conversion then on half time kicked a penalty to give his side a 13 – 0 lead at the interval.
Both sides tackled their hearts out on a cold dreary day, with many supporters returning to the shelter and warmth of the clubhouse. The die-hards were rewarded with an Andy Dunn try 10 minutes into the second period after a solid catch and drive from a line out in the Alnwick 22.
Park turned down a kickable penalty opportunity for a kick to the corner, hoping to keep up the pressure on the Alnwick pack with another catch and drive, but stout defence kept Park out.
Alnwick lengthened their lead with another Bird penalty on 54 minutes, and for the next half hour or so both teams battered each other into submission, with no further additions to the score.
In the end Alnwick well deserved their win, and hope to keep up their unbeaten run next Saturday against league leaders Sheffield.
Park make the trip to Wheatley Hills hoping to regroup to maintain their second place spot in the league.