Percy Park 20 – 19 Alnwick
Park squeaked through to the semi final of the Northumberland County cup where they will meet Morpeth at Preston Avenue next Wednesday KO 7pm. The coaches had decided to rest several key 1st XV players for the league game on Saturday against Durham City, and started with only 6 of the team that started last Saturday against Morpeth.
Alnwick had much of the early play, but Park scored after quarter of an hour when Brett Sylph picked up from a five metre scrum and drove over to score, Ash Smith converted then added a penalty five minutes later to take a 10 – 0 lead.
The home side had the benefit of the wind in the first half, but despite the elements, it was Alnwick who played the more controlled rugby, although Park had the dominance in the set piece. The visitors were rewarded for their tenacity when Rich Ellis scored after a Rutter clearance kick was charged down just before half time.
In the second half Alnwick scored out wide through Ed Shell and the conversion by James Bird gave the Northumbrians a temporary lead 10 -12, before normal service was resumed and Michael Langlands powered over from a line out which was caught and driven over the line.
Park extended their lead through an Andy Dunn try close to the end, but Alnwick had the final word with another try by Ed Shell with the conversion making the final score 20 – 19.
It is easy to criticise the selection process in hind sight, but several Lions players were given a taste of 1st XV rugby, but Park only really gained control in the last 20 minutes when the big guns, Dunn, Ponton, and Griffiths came on. A different approach will be imperative next week if Park are to progress to the final at the expense of Morpeth.
In the other semi, Gosforth have the pleasure of entertaining Tynedale, in a repeat of the fixture last season which the green and whites conceded without a ball being kicked.