Jock calls it early as Park ‘box up’ a try fest

 

 

This was supposed to be the most eagerly anticipated Boxing Day Derby game in years. A resurgent and confident Whitley Bay Rockcliff playing at level 7 versus a mid-table Percy Park side playing at level 6. The gap between the two sides had been reduced and ‘the talk’ in all the bars, barbers, hairdressers and a local butchers shop along ‘the coast’ was all about how close the game was going to be. In recent memory the winner of this contest really was undecided. And so a mighty throng of people descended on the playing fields of Preston Avenue decked in their tribal colours of red and gold, black and white and blue and white. The electrical fizz of excitement was visual and the sideline banter reflected the eagerness and enthusiasm of the crowd. Both sides emerged to a roar from the densely packed support. Park looked serious and then as the visiting team gathered at the ‘Golf Club end’ the red and gold support went quiet. Deathly quiet. Ash Smith started the game with a long kick down field quickly gathered before the receiving player was swamped and Park gained control. Sixteen minutes later Park were 4 tries to the good and the home support were rapturous. After twenty five minutes the home side were up by 6 tries and even the most partisan black and white advocate became subdued. A dawning became apparent that all was not as it should be. The home support looked at their nearest and dearest in question. Shoulders were shrugged and groups began to gather in earnest conversation. By halftime what little contest there was became no contest and the Rockcliff support was incandescent, trooping to the bar in their ire. Many did not return for the second half, those that did took no notice and if I am really brutal neither did many of the Park faithful. One or two went home. So what happened and why were Rockcliff so poor?

 

 

As the dust settled on the terraces, ‘the story’ of selection began to surface. Many of the Rockcliff 1st XV elected not to play, leaving a weakened side to face their oldest rivals. It is factual to state that both sides (as is tradition) normally field a side which is a mix of 1st, 2nd and the occasional 3rd team player; only on this occasion Percy Park were far stronger than Rockcliff. Our players and management eagerly (some excited) anticipated a real contest. Where there is normally some form of communication there was none and as a consequence what we got was a real mis-match. And to that end, on behalf of Percy Park, the author would like to thank all those in ‘red and gold’ who proudly represented their club on that day. On the pitch and in the bar after they received our support, with many of the faithful wishing and hoping that they could get on the score sheet. Many of the Rockcliff alikado’s apologised profusely, they too have our support in any post game debrief our cousins may elect to have.

 

The first try came courteous of an Ash Smith shimmy and show that opened up a gap that the player took with real power and pace. The conversion was more than good

 

The second at the capable hands of Ali Blair. A flowing backs move was finished with aplomb. The conversion was good.

 

The third from Captain Seb Reece. A fine individual try that showcased the young player’s real ability and how much he is developing into the role of Club Captain. The conversion was excellent.

 

The fourth through the lightening quick feet of Michael Grove. The conversion taken

 

 

Sixteen minutes...28-0

 

The fifth scored by Chris McCabe. A blast from close range saw him over and a proud moment for the player as he scored his first Boxing Day try for the ‘black and whites’

 

Number six. That man Reece again. A pick up from ‘his toes’ saw the player run almost the full length of the pitch to score.

 

Number seven was probably the pick of the bunch. A defence opening cross field kick from Ash Smith landed squarely in the hands of Leo Caulfield who had an easy run in to score. On this occasion the conversion was missed. 47-0

 

Park rang the changes. We butchered a few chances before some good work from Will Robinson put Michael Grove in ‘the gap’ for his second. Conversion taken. Half time 54-0.

 

At the turn number nine took a little while coming. A one handed off load out of the back door from Jamie Wrigley put the supporting Ben Anderson over for his try. Again another proud moment for both the player and the junior section as Ben notched his first 1st XV try. The conversion was taken.

 

 

The tenth was the result of a fine interchange of passing between Ash Smith and Seb Reece that saw the player coach outpace the Rockcliff defence to score.

 

Number eleven came from an awful pass that went to a line out. Up popped Karl Thompson to do what he does best when allowed out to play. From a short range he crashed in causing a pressure wave that broke the Rockcliff defence to score. Michael Grove took the conversion.

 

Number twelve and the final try. Michael Grove charged down an attempted clearance. In truth this was a good try. Grove was that quick the kicker had little time to clear, offering the chance. With the opportunity taken the player converted his own hat trick try. 82-0 and at that point the referee had seen enough. Game over.

 

There is a saying that you can only beat what is in front of you and Percy Park did that. They played some great rugby and showed their class. They are a good side and in the doing showed that we have real depth.  Our 2nd XV players showed that they too can play.

 

 

Next up is Cleckheaton away. I know that this is an important fixture for Park as we need to arrest a ‘dip in form’. To all that may travel and support I can assure you, on this occasion, there will be a contest!!....Come on Park

 

On the birth of a new decade Percy Park RFC would like to offer all our supporters and players a very happy and prosperous New Year. Let’s hope a little of that prosperity can be shared across the 1872 bar!!

 

Finally the now famous Legg paragraph:

Representing Percy Park (from 15): Michael Grove, Chris McCabe, Ali Blair, Seb Reece, and Andrew Walker. 9 and 10: Andrew Dunn and Ash Smith. (From 8) Sean Williamson, Leo Caulfield, Mark Barry, Josh Hedley, Karl Thompson, Michael Birkett, Adam Hay and Marc Cook. Running the pine: Aiden Phillips, Eddie Saint, Michael Langlands, Jake Smith, Jamie Wrigley, Ben Anderson and Will Robinson.