Percy Park Colts regained the Albi Durhin Cup after a thrilling 29-34 win at Hillheads on Boxing Day, the now regular curtain raiser to the senior game. With a large crowd looking on, both teams produced a superb game of rugby with both Whitley Bay President Ritchie Bloomfield and myself commenting that it was probably the best game of rugby, at any level, that we have seen this season.
Rockcliff started brilliantly, three magnificent tries from their excellent backline opening a 19-0 lead early in the match but the Park lads steadied and slowly but surely narrowed the game with some excellent tries of their own. It was nip and tuck throughout, Park deservedly coming out on top through tries from Hiro Brannigan, Josh Robertson, Nathan Bailey and a brace from George Bogg who also kicked three conversions and a penalty goal.
A memorable game played in a great spirit, both teams a credit to their respective clubs.