National 3 North
Percy Park 30 – 40 Firwood Waterloo
Although leading 11 – 0 at half time, Percy Park only came away from this game with a bonus point as Waterloo scored 40 in the second half. The turning point was the sin binning of Park 8 James Ponton, and whilst he was in the cooler Loo scored 21.
Park started well with 2 penalties from the boot of Phil Morse and Toby Davison, and Josh Hedley powered over the line for a try just before half time. This was an improved performance from the previous 2 weeks, helped by the return of Jimmy Ponton and Ali Blair, but defensive lapses, saw Waterloo notch six tries in the last 40 minutes giving them a bonus point win to start their campaign.
Waterloo’s right wing Thompson scored twice with Colborn kicking all but his final conversion attempt. There were also two tries from fly half Payne, his second being an absolute gift when he intercepted a long pass in the Percy Park 22, running in unopposed to score under the post for a banker 7 points.
Park’s try of the match came from left wing George Lewis, who retrieved a Waterloo clearance kick deep in the Park half, to cut his way through several defenders to score under the posts. His performance earned him “man of the match” for the second consecutive week.
Park’s right wing Stu Findlay scored twice although could have had a hat-trick as the ball was knocked from his grasp going over the line in the first half.
Percy Park were unlucky not to earn a losing bonus point as they trailed 35 – 30 with a couple of minutes to go, but Waterloo’s tight head Harvey dived over from short range after a series of driving mauls to deny the home side.
Despite the loss this was a better performance from a rebuilt side, with many changes from last season due to work commitments, injury and players moving out of the area.
Next week Percy Park make the short trip across the Tyne to play Westoe.
Candy League Division 1
Billingham Lions 27 – 24 Percy Park Lions
In similar fashion to the 1st XV, the Lions built up a healthy lead 14 – 0 only to be overhauled at the end. The Lions did however earn 2 points from the game with a losing bonus point and an additional bonus point for scoring 4 tries which came from Rich Berne, Matty Marshall, Ryan Wilson and Stevie Irving. Simon Greetham kicked 2 conversions.
The Lions meet Alnwick II away next Saturday.
Northumberland River Aln League
Ryton II 17 – 43 Percy Park Pumas
Having been promoted from the Blyth League last season, the Pumas won emphatically away from home against Ryton’s second string, amongst the scorers were Wes Casey, Adam Fidler, Stephen Baskerville and Paul Hardcastle on his return to the club scored 2 tries playing on the wing of all places.
The Pumas entertain Westoe III at home next Saturday.