Percy Park Lions 14 – Alnwick 2nds 46
Pre-match Craic:
1stXV involved in a “must win” game against Malton and Norton
Rugby legend Doddie Weir at the club for a pre-match function
Falcons Academy taking on their Sale counterparts
Niall Combe playing his final game before heading down under on a rugby adventure
The Lions continued to promote their inclusive approach and were again able to include a number of colts in the squad.
Whole place buzzing
Park started like a team possessed and from the kick off used a series of forward surges to put Alnwick on the back foot. Good use of possession saw the backs involved early, with both centres and Liam B featuring in some good attacks. However, despite dominating possession and territory a degree of inexperience, poor hands and Solid Alnwick defence meant the scoreboard was not troubled until the 11th minute when Andrew Walker spotted a chink in the defence and was quick witted enough to ghost through the gap and score, Ben A adding the extras.
From the restart Alnwick looked a different team immediately increasing the pressure around the tackle area, the resultant turnovers and penalties saw the game swing towards Alnwick.
Park’s defence remained resolute; Alnwick’s only return being three points from a penalty; however the incessant pressure at the breakdown and scrum saw Alnwick take the lead on 20 minutes with a score out wide. Park were then disrupted by the loss of influential back row forward Josh Lake who was on the receiving end of an accidental boot to his chin; Alnwick capitalised on the disruption to score two further tries both from Park errors.
Whilst Alnwick continued to score at regular intervals the majority of their tries were from Park’s endeavours to attack at every possible opportunity, but praise where it’s due, Alnwick’s ability to pressure Park and capitalise upon errors set them apart.
As the game progressed Park managed to work out their opposite numbers at the scrum, Joe adding experience and Aaron showing that he is learning in every game, and with Karl and Steve tireless in the boiler-house Park started to gain the ascendency; however the loss of a second back row player (Niall) again caused disruption and saw Alnwick score again.
Park did manage to end the game on a positive – Andrew Walker intercepting and going 80m for a deserved try.
Beaten on the day by a better side it was good to see the players agreeing that collectively we just need to be a bit more focussed on our core skills and importantly that we continue to enjoy every game…. onwards and upwards.