Candy Division 2 North
Whitley Bay Rockcliff RFC Rangers 19 v Percy Park RFC 50
Cassidy goes solo to add gloss to the win
Don't let the score fool you , for long periods our neighbours Rockcliff were very much in this game but ultimately succumbed to the pace and skill of Percy Park's back line.The Lions pack had been cobbled together this week with several players unavailable for selection which gave a great opportunity to some lads to step up . We welcomed Alex Purvis for his Lions debut and Sam Hutley returning from injury. Good to see Eddie Saint back too and Thomas Turnbull rolling back the years(although I think his pulled calf muscle will be regretting it ).
Percy Park started well, some good powerful running saw the impressive Liam Walker go over after ten minutes 5-0 Lions .
It took another five minutes for the next score, the phases brought the ball out wide to Steve Dryden who barged his way over, kick missed again so 10-0. Some shambolic tackling in the Lions ranks let Rock score under the posts , the kick was converted 10-7 on twenty minutes.Park came straight back and Nathan Henderson bagged a brace of tries wide on the right following some great passing from the three quarters.
Then Rock struck back to bring the score to 24-12 they were very much still in it .
Thomas Turnbull entered the fray and following a good back row pick up from Edie Saint he popped left and 'TT' went in under the posts. The conversion was made 31-12 at half time.
Percy Park had the better of the second half ,which seemed a bit short. Two fantastic solo efforts from Joe Cassidy from distance did the damage before former Park player Jonny Birkett came on for a ten minute cameo and bagged a try for the hosts . Mark Sanderson smashed his way over for the final score of the day . The conversion good. Final score and 50-19. Maximiunm bonus points. Next league game Gateshead home.
Representing Percy Park RFC:
From 8: Eddie Saint, Liam Walker, Alex Purves, Mark Sanderson, Sam Hutley, Ben Morris, James Finn and Srteven Dryden
From 15: Joe Cassidy, Ollie Hutt, Natan Henderson, Paddy Hargreaves, Ollie Ellis, Steven Turner and Cam Young
Finishers: Thomas Turnbull, Mark Winfield and Danny Simpson