PERCY PARK 40 – 9 MIDDLESBROUGH
Once again Percy Park’s pack domination led to a comprehensive victory which keeps promotion hopes still alive with a game in hand on second and third places in North 1 East. Middlesbrough remain in the runners up spot, as Wheatley Hills also lost to league leaders Billingham.
Boro kicked off with a strong wind behind them, with both sides showing total commitment to the break down, a clash of heads inside 5 minutes meant Jack Davidson had to leave the field with a blood injury and Tom Holden for the visitors was bandaged up. Middlesbrough took the lead with a penalty kicked by fly half Jack Bircham, after Park were penalised for going off their feet at a ruck on 11 minutes and another penalty soon after doubled Boro’s lead.
From the first scrummage it was clear that despite being a bigger and heavier pack, Middlesbrough were under severe pressure in the tight, and after 24 minutes Hamish Lockwood finished off a push over try which was converted by Simon Greatham.
The game was a physical encounter and when Gavin Fingland threw a barrage of punches in front of the referee, he was shown a yellow card, and was possibly lucky not to have seen red for his actions, With a man advantage Park scored on the left wing through Ali Blair after John Scott had broken through the Boro defence from the back of a scrum, although Simon Greatham’s conversion attempt into the strong wind fell short.
Bircham kicked another penalty on 33 minutes to keep his side in the hunt, and on the stroke of half time had a chance to draw level but his penalty attempt went wide. At half time Percy Park led 12 – 9, with the elements in their favour for the second period.
Park kicked off for the second half and Boro failed to retain the ball, the home side attacked the right hand wing and a chip through by John Scott bounced awkwardly for the Andy Micklewright and Howard Stock picked up and went over for the score with only 30 second half seconds having been played. Simon Greatham converted and Park were now 10 points clear at 19 – 9.
Middlesbrough were under immense pressure and had been warned by referee Dave Charlton for slowing down Park possession. Eventually patience ran out and Bircham was sent to the bin. Park were awarded a penalty and kicked for the corner with the resulting maul being pulled down 5 metres out. Park opted for the scrum, but veteran hooker Richy Horton won the ball against the head and the visitors were able to clear their lines momentarily. From the line out Park supporters thought they had scored when Andy Dunn threw a quick line out to the front and received a return pass from Craig Fidler, to set him loose down the right flank, but the pass was judged forward.
Park claimed their bonus point with the fourth try as prop Joe Wafer powered through a gap in the Middlesbrough defence and Greatham kicked the conversion for a 26 – 9 lead. The visitors were defending with real determination, but with four minutes remaining Ali Blair scored his second try of the game after coming in from the right hand wing and the Greatham conversion took the score to 33 – 9.
Middlesbrough restarted the game and went on the offensive to get at least the consolation of a try before the final whistle. With numbers on the right and with the full back in the line a wide miss pass was throw but the 6 foot 6 inch frame of Craig Fidler plucked the ball out of the air and galloped off up the pitch with an 85 yard sprint ahead of him. As the Boro defenders closed on him he eventually made the try line with a despairing tackler unable to stop him from scoring. The conversion brought up the 40 points and the final whistle.
Next week we are back to 3pm kick off’s as Percy Park take on Malton & Norton at Preston Avenue.
PERCY PARK LIONS 7 – 36 TYNEDALE RAIDERS
The Lions lost to league leaders Tynedale Raiders at home. Next week they play a rearranged cup game at home to Northern Wanderers at home.