Park narrow the gap on West

PERCY PARK 24 – 17 DURHAM CITY

A late City try, although fully deserved, made it look as though this was a close game, but in reality, Park had the upper hand from the off, and it was only Durham’s dogged determination that kept the home side from a comprehensive win.

Nevertheless, a bonus point win moves Park a point closer to West Hartlepool who sneaked an injury time try through Gareth Foreman, to deny Wheatley Hills a win in what appears to have been an ill tempered game through judging by the reports on the West web site.

Although the rain overnight, meant the pitch was bound to cut up a little, the surface was sound enough for running rugby with all 7 tries in the game coming through the three quarters. The kick off was delay by 10 minutes as City had some players and officials stuck at the new Tyne Tunnel crossing.

 

Park started well and within 5 minutes were on the score sheet after Ali Blair touched down in the left hand corner. The Park forwards took the ball on and instead of throwing an early pass out wide,

player coach Ponton took the ball on into the heart of the City defence, tying up the loose forwards. The ball was then passed out to Ash Smith who broke through drawing the last defender before putting Blair in for the first of his two tries.

Man of the Match Ash Smith nearly got on the score sheet minutes later with another break down the left but a last ditch tackle caused a knock on just short of the line.

Park had the upper hand in the set scrum, but honours were even as far as line out possession was concerned. The home side had kept Durham tied down in their own half for long periods, and when a maul was driven over 20 yards from a line out just outside the 22, Park opted to move the ball out to the back line, when they had the line at their mercy, and a good try scoring opportunity went begging.

The home side had ample possession, but for some reason over complicated the line outs often throwing to the back, when the simpler option, arguably the leagues best line out exponent, Craig Fidler may have reaped more rewards. Nevertheless Park kept up the pressure and on the half hour the Smith, Blair combo worked again as the Park full back used his pace to breach the defence.

With only the young City winger to beat, Ash lobbed an inside pass to Ali Blair which was knock back by the Durham player. As both players wrestled for the ball it was Blair who came out on top, and drove over the line to score. Ash Smith kicked the conversion.

City’s restart went dead, which gifted Park a scrum on half way from which another attack was launched. After a series of drives by the forwards, the ball was spun left and Ash Smith burst through several tackles to go over for the try, which he was unable to convert.

Percy Park then had a spell camped on the City line from which they took a scrum 5 metres out after a penalty was awarded to the home side. The scrum was driven over the line but a knock on denied Park another try, and they were brought back for another penalty, and another scrum from which City held out and then Park infringed to relieve the pressure.

With the home side 17 – 0 up, City came back into the game and scored just before the break when full back Rob Smith broke through a couple of tackles to score under the posts. Arnie Stevenson kicked the conversion, and City had reduced the deficit to 10 points.

Just before half time, City’s open side Jeff Roberts was sent to the sin bin as referee David Charlton ran out of patience, having previously warned City about persistent infringing. At half time the score was 17 – 7.

In the second period Park had the advantage of the slope and the swirling wind, and made immediate inroads through the City defence. A clearance kick from the visitors found Smith who ran the ball back towards the forwards. Anth Dunn then took the ball on, before Adam Fidler made a break for the line but was stopped with no immediate support on his shoulder.

City had rarely been allowed to venture out of their own half, and eventually the pressure paid off with a try by centre David Griffiths, who was later named as back player of the month for February. Once again County Under 20 Ash Smith made the telling break and flanker Anth Dunn was on hand to take on the ball before the ball was recycled to Griffiths who went over the line untouched to score between the posts for the simplest of conversion.

With Park now 24 – 7 up and the try bonus point in the bag, the foot came off the gas, and the most potent attacking player Smith was substituted. City then came back into the game and a rare foray into the Park 22, saw the home side try to run the ball from behind their posts instead of opting for the clearance kick. Caught in possession, Park couldn’t recycle the ball and City were awarded a 5 metre scrum from which Howard Johnson picked up, keeping the pressure off his young 17 year old scrum half, who he had admirably protected all game. The ball was spun right and found full back Rob Smith who broke through some ineffective tackles to score. 24 – 12.

Park restarted and continued to lay siege to the City defence, but their resolve held, although conceding a penalty in front of the posts. Rutter assuming kicking duties and surprisingly missed the easy 3 points on offer pushing the ball passed the left upright.

City to their credit never gave up, and were rewarded for their persistence with an injury time try by wing Luke Burgess, which remained unconverted. Although Park had dominated the first half, a lack lustre second half display had allowed City to regroup and narrow the gap to earn a valuable bonus point with almost the last play of the game.

Next week, it is 2^nd versus third as Park play host to Wheatley Hills. Park had won the very physical encounter away from home back in November, and need to step up another gear if they are to keep pressure West who top the table.

Note, that as we will be in March, next Saturday’s kick off time will be 3pm.