NORTH 1 EAST
MORPETH 29 – 19 PERCY PARK
With this game being a re-arranged match, with the scheduled game postponed due to a waterlogged pitch, both teams had key personnel missing, but nevertheless the crowd were treated to a decent game with the home side edging it in the last 10 minutes.
There were 3 more names to add to Park’s expanding list of players used so far this season with youngsters Sam Jobson and Tom Collins joining the squad, both starting on the bench, and getting a run out in the second half, and Phil Morse starting at fly-half.
Morpeth opened the scoring somewhat against the run of play on 12 minutes when wing Ben Turner crossed in the right hand corner for an unconverted try. The visitors struck back within a couple of minutes as Guy Pike went over after 2 good offloads by Josh Hedley then Sonny Phil Morse. Michael Grove kicked the conversion to take the lead 7-5.
The home side went in front once again, also scoring down the right flank as lively wing Andy Gayner retrieved a chip ahead and ran closer to the posts to make the conversion by James Phillips a little easier. Morpeth had a chance to go further in front when Park were penalised for holding on in the tackle and Phillips added the 3 points for a 15 – 7 lead.
As half time approached Park had a good passage of play first swinging the ball left then right with Guy Pike stopped just short of the try line. Quick recycling saw the ball shipped right and Ricki Hasnip crossed in the corner for the try. Michael Groves missed the difficult conversion attempt but Park were back in contention at 15 – 12 at the break.
In the second half Morpeth had the chance to add to their tally but Phillips missed his penalty shot at goal. Park then scored their best try of the game as they broke out of defence down the left hand side of the pitch. Some good inter-passing gave Michael Grove space on the wing as he sped for the line and popped the ball back inside to Lome Fa’atau in support. The Park fullback handed off his opposite number and went in for the try which Groves converted to take Park ahead by 19 – 15.
Park’s normally solid scrummage began to creak under the Morpeth pressure as the home side began to turn the screw on the set piece. With just over 10 minutes remaining scrum half Jack Elliot took the game away from the visitors with 2 snipping tries in 8 minutes.
Although Morpeth were deserving of their win, Park were unlucky not to get any points from the encounter with an improving team display.
Next week Park take on visitors Driffield and will be hoping to build on this performance to take the points from the Kellythorpe men.