Percy Park made the best possible start to their league campaign with a convincing win against Durham & Northumberland 1 new boys Ashington. Mark Walton captained the side in the absence of Brett Sylph, and Joe Wafer came in to the back row for the injured Greg Dixon.
Park scored inside the first 5 minutes when Anthony Dunn finished off a catch and drive from a line out inside the visitors 22, and Simon Greetham converted a very difficult kick to take a 7 - 0 lead.
The home side had much of the territory and possession, and the second try came from good footballing skills from fly half Thomas Turnbull, who chipped ahead, then dribbled the ball over the line and beat the defence to the ball for the important touchdown, Simon Greetham converted again for 14 - 0.
Stand in skipper Mark Walton had to leave the field after 30 minutes with a severe gash to his ear and head from a stray boot. Unfortunately it looks as though the diminutive centre will miss several games, and will need to undergo surgery.
The final score of the half came from hooker Andy Dunn who picked up from the back of a ruck to power over from close out, to get on the score sheet, and not to be outdone by his older brother.
Ashington, who finished last season as Durham and Northumberland 2 champions with a 100% record, were finding the step up a little difficult to cope with, although there was no doubting their determination. The visitors were penalised early in the second half for handling in the ruck, and when Rutter kicked for the corner, Park scored again from a catch and drive, with Anth Dunn scoring his second of the day. Greetham made it 3 out of 4 for the conversion.
Although the Ashington pack had the better of the scrum, Park scored from such a set piece, when James Ponton picked up at number 8 and popped the ball to wing Craig Firth who cut through the defensive line to lay the ball off to David Griffiths in support to score. Greetham was on target again, and Park led 33 - 0.
Ashington kicked a consolation penalty on 57 minutes when Park were adjudged to have deliberately wheeled the scrum, but in truth the home side were never likely to close the gap further.
Park's centre Greetham was having a great day, and made a telling break through the Ash defence and drew the last defender to set up a try for Craig Firth, which this time Rutter converted.
The final score of the game came in injury time when lock Wayne Dobson rose like a tutonic salmon , and stole the ball in an Ashington line out, from the quick ball, Greetham again cut through the defence and from the resulting ruck, prop Chris Reekie picked up and with an outstretched arm managed to place the ball on the try line. The try remained unconverted, and Park had won 45 - 3.
Percy Park managed to field 4 senior sides, and the Lions, Park's development team won away at Novos 26 - 0 in very heavy conditions. Park Pumas won narrowly away to Ashington II 31 - 29, but Park Marauders lost heavily by 76 - 0 against Ashington III.