Tough Day on the paddock as Morse forgets then finds his boots
Candy Division 2
Morpeth RFC Edwardians 27 v Percy Park RFC Lions 48
Despite the fantastic preparation the seniors have had this week the Lions made hard work of this priceless victory at the top of Candy Division 2. Playing on the pitch ‘over the bridge’ caused some disruption to the match/ team build up but to be fair it was the same for both sides and Morpeth fielding a very experienced Ed’s team started the better.
The game did not start well. On 3 minutes we infringed in front of the posts and they converted 3-0 to the home side. Our line out was struggling ; losing the first four of our own throws but every time the ball went to Morsey at 10 we looked dangerous.
On 9 minutes we got into our stride with the free running Toby Davison cutting through the home defence to score. 3-8 to the Lions. There was nothing between the two sides and on 15 the pressure from the Morpeth pack showed and they went over but missed the kick 8-5 to Edwardians .Percy Park came back well. The scrum and line were steadying and the destructive Travis Bowart powered through on 19. Morsey converted 8-12 Lions.
Morpeth went to route one and it was a successful tactic. Their attack was finding gaps. On 25 minutes, a couple of infringements and Morpeth forced their way over. Fortunately the converting kick was missed. 13-12 Ed’s. Nip and tuck.
More close quarter skirmishing was the order of the day. The Lions centres Henderson and Davison looked dangerous but the Morpeth scramble defence held. Then at last some good open play which saw Dan Jackson scorch down the right wing to go over on 30 mins. 13-17 to the visitors and that’s how the half ended.
With a packed bench multiple changes were made and the impressive Sam Leeds made his debut in the best way with a killer first tackle (we will hear a lot more of him in the future).
Stern words were heard on the half and as we re-entered the fray going up the hill. The desire to win propelled ‘Steiners’ powered over on 43. The score giving us a little distance at 13-22. (I think Phil left his Kicking boots at West last week!)
A little bit of fortune allowed Morpeth back in the game and the travelling support were not amused. A quick taken penalty behind the refs back saw their 9 run in unopposed. 20-22. Park were riled, as Morpeth tired they started to run from everywhere. Fantastic play down the right saw Nathan Henderson make 50 yards and pop inside to Joe Cassidy to score under the posts 20 -29.
The kick off was botched giving Park the ball and Morpeth found themselves back in their 22. An inviting cross kick from Morsey was eagerly gathered by Andrew Clyde who popped to Danny Simpson to cross. The kick was good 20 -36. Tails up now and more pressure saw the gates open up for Travis who ran in from 22 metres out for his second try of the game. 20 -41.
The game looked to be running away from Morpeth. A consolation try from close quarters brought them momentarily in touch at 27 -41 but Park ensured the last word with the impressive Alex Lamb going over. Phil Morse converted and 27-48 is how the game ended.
A game of rugby that for an hour could have gone either way yet the Lions stuck to their task and rightly go back to the top of the league. Next week Westoe away.
Representing Percy Park RFC:
From 8: Andrew Clyde, Travis Bowart, Jacob Dunsdon, Eddie Saint, Ben Butler, Mark Sanderson, Peter Basara and Andrew Steinberg
From 15: Dan Jackson, Stephen Turner, Nathan Henderson, Toby Davidson, Oli Ellis, Phil Morse and Joe Cassidy.
Finishers: Steven Dryden, Sean Nairn, Sam Leeds, Alex Lamb, Phil Harrison and Dan Simpson