Candy League 2 North
Percy Park RFC 53 v Morpeth RFC Edwardians 14
LIONS MAUL MORPETH
The Lions continued their impressive start to the season with a dominant forward display against Morpeth Edwardians. On 5 minutes a powerful move saw Andrew Clyde cross the line , converted by Ben Anderson 7-0. After 15 minutes Morpeth infringed 30 yards out and up stepped Anderson again 10-0. The points were beginning to rack up.More dominant play from the pack saw the impressive Matty Atkinson cross the line for his first of three tries. On this occasion the kick was missed. 15-0 on 20 minutes.
Percy Park became too comfortable and allowed an experienced Morpeth side back in the game.Park's defence had been great but a crashing run through the centre put Morpeth right back in it 15-7. It was the jolt Park needed and in truth had to know they were in a game.Galvanised the team went straight back up the field and that man Atkinson crossed again. This time Anderson converted. Score at 22-7. Two minutes later a carbon copy of Morpeth’s first try, the defence opened up in the channel and they were over again 22-14 half time. We had a contest.
Positivity was the theme at half time, some good play had been spoiled by some defensive ill-discipline and Park were intent on putting things right.
The dominant second half display started with an impressive finish from debutant Paddy Hargreaves converted by Anderson on 42 minutes. 29-14. More dominant forward play saw an impressive rolling maul led by stalwart Jonny Dubois, ably supported by Atkinson, carved an opening for Mark Sanderson who finished the move with some aplomb. Anderson converted again 36-14,.20 minutes too go. Not content with the score Matty Atkinson notched again crowning a thoroughly good performance. Kick converted 43-14.
Morpeth were tiring and taking injuries and Percy Park started to spread them around the pitch.A flowing move with many offloads saw returning Sam Hutley go over on the right wing on 73 minutes. 48-14 Park.
But the best came last. Parks attacking players sucked in the Morpeth defence with a 'black' move, Anderson then ran 'a pump' and a deft pass from Captain Joe Cassidy (now at 15) put Cole Stonebanks away to score under the posts . 53-14 final score. Yes Morpeth were a bit under the weather from their normal high standards but the Lions pack were awesome. Ponteland next week
Representing Percy Park RFC:
From 15:Dan Jackson,Cameron Young,Paddy Hargreaves,Phil Morse,Nathan Coxon, Ben Anderson, Joe Cassidy
From 8:Andrew Clyde,Travis Bowart,Alan Clayton,Mark barry,Mark Sanderson,Ben Morris, Jonny Dubois, Matty Atkinson.
Finishers:Cole Stonebanks,Sam Huttly, Alex Lamb
Pumas at Blyth
Blyth RFC 2nds 31 v Percy Park RFC Pumas 22
Knox carries the flag as the opposition name him the man!
The Pumas went down fighting 31-22 at Blyth, but so many positives. Their Gosforth opposition cried off and Blyth agreed to host us. Putting three teams out was never going to be easy and late cryoffs on Friday night and Saturday morning only compounded things. Our thanks to Newcastle Ravens who stepped in and lent us players Joe and Josh to help out and so did Blyth so the game went on.
Stevie Dryden just back from his hols opened the scoring before it was cancelled out by Blyth. Next try Park from young Mathew Knox. Then skipper Winfield had to leave the fray with a torn calf bringing Park down to 14 players. The order of the scoring is then a bit sketchy , but both Ravens bagged a try each between Blyth scores. Park dominated the closing stages but a speculative kick through was not fielded by our full back(from Blyth) and over they went to seal the win.Hats off to young Mathew Knox , a try ,a scuffle and voted man of the match by Blyth! Next week Wallsend at home.
Representing Percy Park RFC: Mark Whinfield, Ray Hill,Rob Knox,James Finn,Nick McIntyre,Steven Dryden,Peter Basara,Steve Willis, Richard Power , Danny Simpson, Joe Raven and Josh Raven