NORTHUMBERLAND RUGBY UNION - CHALLENGE CUPS
Percy Park Lions 18 - 9 Alnwick II
Percy Park Marauders 25 - 22 Tynedale Veterans
This was a big weekend for Percy Park with Lions and Marauders both in cup finals and of course the 1st XV away to Darlington in the league, in a make or break game to avoid relegation.
The Lions started the ball rolling with a 2pm kick off at Rockcliff against Alnwick II. Park had made it to the final with previous wins against Ashington II 35 - 5, and Tynedale Hoppers 22 - 14, a great turn around in form following two previous league defeats against the same side.
Park's first try came from hooker Tom Pollock, with Damien Coia producing some gallic flair for the second. Simon Greatham converted from the touchline and also bagged two penalties in the 18 - 9 victory. This was the first time since 1969 that Park had won the Northumberland - No2 Challenge Cup. Man of the match was named by coach Paul Jobson as Alun Barlow, who also praised prop Harry Watson for the performance of his career in the second half.
With a 4pm kick off the Marauders played Tynedale Veterans in the No5 Cup. Park had reached the final with a 28 - 5 win against last year's winners Alnwick IV, and beat Ponteland Vets in a thrilling 34 - 43 away semi final. Both Park Marauders and Tynedale Vets had won this competition in recent years with Tynedale winning in 2006 and Park back in 2003.
In a very close contest with scores level at 22 - 22 with minutes to go, Rick Morgan kept his cool to slot a penalty for the 25 - 22 lead and the team had the strength of character to repel a final onslaught by Tynedale in the dying minutes. Rick Morgam kicked 20 of Park's 25 points, with the all important try from none other than the captain himself Paul Hardcastle.
A fantastic day for the club was rounded off by a rare 1st XV away league win against fellow strugglers Darlington. The win lifts Park out of the relegation zone only by points difference, with three tough games remaining.
Reasons to be cheerful 1-2-3.