Candy League 2 North
Percy Park RFC Lions 42 v South Shields Westoe RFC Development XV 27
Walkers 'six out of six' secures the win
An entertaining game, in front of a big crowd, proved to be a real test for an emerging Percy Park Lions side. The Lions matched up against a big well drilled Westoe pack, who fortunately did not have the same strength in depth across their three quarter line.
From the kick off Percy Park were placed under pressure and we struggled to get a grip on the game. An early infringement on 7 minutes let Westoe in to open the scoring. Their fullback converting from the 10m line with ease. Park bounced though and a powerful leg drive and tenacity saw a determined Connor Rogerson go over on 12 mins. The try converted by Andrew Walker. 7-3 the score.
On 18 mins Percy Park were penalised by referee Tony Partlett. The infringement was converted again from distance. The Westoe full back was showcasing an adept use of the boot. The player was punishing us every time he had the ball in hand with a cannon of a right foot. 7-6 Park.
Westoe had their tails up and started to play effective route one rugby. Our defence held well but on 25 the defensive line was broken, Westoe were over. The try converted. 7-13 to the visitors.
As the contest progressed the game ebbed and flowed. There was nothing between the two sides. The packs were well matched. Percy Park edged the line outs and Westoe the scrums. Park really needed to gain and keep the ball to provide opportunity to unleash our back line .On 39 quick thinking by Rogerson saw a ‘tap and go’ and he was over again for his seventh try of the season. The effort was converted. 14-13 Park. The crowd, players and referee were all enjoying the game. The bout was hard, fair and entertaining. All eagerly awaited the second half.
From the restart Park attacked quickly, sucking in the defence tight on the left. A deft cross kick ‘over the top’ was picked up by Paddy Hargreaves who crossed on 41 mins. A good start. 21-13 to Percy Park. Many thought that breathing space had been achieved. That thought was quickly dismissed. Two minutes later South Shields Westoe crossed our line again and converted. 21-20 on 43 minutes.
Percy Park ‘caught a break’ as Westoe replaced their full back and as a consequence were not getting the same field position with their aerial game. Fly Half Andrew Walker took advantage with probing kicks down the line. The tactical change proved advantageous as Park started to peg Westoe back in their own half. On 55 good work by the forwards saw the returning Sean Williamson use his bulk to cross the line. 28-20.
The Percy Park three quarter line were playing with confidence slinging the ball about to great effect and the makeshift Westoe backs were struggling to cope. Great hands on 63 mins saw Dan Jackson pop up on his opposite wing to finish a flowing move under the posts. Converted by Walker 35-20. Westoe weren't done though. Percy Park gave away a series of daft penalties. Referee Partlett penalising the home side for holding onto the ball. With ten minutes to go Westoe had rallied and bombarded the Percy Park try line. A penalty try was awarded 35-27. Westoe deserved the score
Westoe were revived and a comeback looked likely. They literally threw everything at Park. Showing astute leadership Captain Josh Lake ensured the defence stayed connected and disciplined. There was plenty of chat and encouragement. Lake was at the fore when it mattered and as a consequence he got his mullet dirty. Getting his hair dirty is a big thing for the Lakemeister.In. The game went to the wire. In the last minute Park transitioned from their 22 following good handling by the backs. A well thought cross kick, albeit in slow motion by Andrew Walker, landed in the eager hands of Ben Anderson. With an adept side step Anderson crossed in the corner. Andrew Walker converted his ‘six out of six’ and that was that 42-27 to the Lions.
Possibly a flattering score but we will take it and look forward to the return in South Shields. This was a great game to watch and play in and both sides deserve credit for serving up a real contest. The after match chatter from all players was all about heroes and villains. They enjoyed it and so did we.
Representing Percy Park RFC:
From 15: Dan Jackson, Nathan Coxon,Ben Anderson,Phil Morse,Paddy Hargreaves,Andrew Walker and Steven Turner
From 8: Connor Rodgerson,Alan Clayton,Travis Bowart, Josh Lake, Maark Barry, Mark Sanderson, Alex Lamb and Andrew Steinberg.
Finishers:Peter Basara, Steven Dryden, Sean Williamson,Cameron Young, Toby Davison.