North Shields 5 Percy Park 13
Park travelled the short distance to face Shields on a lovely spring morning and came away deserved winners from this tight but exciting encounter.
Despite losing two front rowers prior to warm up the Park lads were well "up for it" today. Park began keeping the ball through a number of phases, crashing it up and retaining possession well. The first time Shields got the ball they tried to run it through their backs but were penalised for crossing on their 10 metre line. Paul Spowart kicked the penalty with plenty to spare for an early 3 - 0 lead.
The game ebbed and flowed throughout the first half with Shields coughing up possession at the breakdown on a regular basis restricting their size advantage. Parks line out went well and resulting drives proved fruitful, often only being stopped by collapsing mauls. Parks defence was superb with the ability to get players on their feet over the ball quickly and efficiently, aided by Shields tendency to get isolated. As the half neared its end a clever chip through by Spowart was collected on the bounce by Howard Stock leaving the defence looking at each other while he sprinted in just left of the posts for 8 - 0. Spowart kicked the simple conversion for 10 - 0 at half time.
Stressing calm heads, Park started well again with their ability to steal ball or be awarded penalties worked their way up field. Kicking up field and good chasing often meant that Shields attacks came from deep and again good defence limited ground gained. Park pressed the Shields line under penalty advantage and though it looked like Joe Wilkinson had forced himself over from close range the referee brought it back for offside under the posts. Spowart kicked the points for 13 - 0. Shields size and strength gave them the advantage in scrums and they drove well in the loose, crashing it up and into a resolute Park defence. Finally Shields forced a score in the corner, missing the conversion for 13 - 5. A slightly nervous finish with Park kicking to relieve pressure the final whistle brought both joy and relief.
A fantastic game of rugby, close to the scoreless draw at Park last year, and a credit to both sets of players. Park produced an impressive team performance with some players bringing their recent second team experience into an inspiring, committed performance.
Final Score North Shields 5 Percy Park 13
Man of the match: Andrew Knox