Candy League 2
Medicals RFC 25 v Percy Park RFC Lions 45
Henderson’s locks prove the catalyst for a 14 man win
The Lions travelled to fellow unbeaten Candy 2 rivals Medicals and faced very tough opposition who pushed them to the limit. Autumn Internationals had taken some toll on selection and the pack was reshuffled again. Hats off to Nick McIntyre who answered a call late on Friday night to join the squad and put in his best performance to date.
Percy Park dominated the early possession yet the final pass or lack of ball protection was letting them down. And as a consequence suffered. Following an infringement and against the run of play Medicals converted a penalty. 17 minutes gone 3-0 to the home side.
Park responded quickly. With ball in hand the Lions back line was looking dangerous. Phil Morse consistently breaking tackles. A series of attacking phases saw Paddy Hargreaves cross under the posts, the kick was good. 3-7 on 21 minutes.
The Park pack lost hooker Sam Hutley early on with a back injury causing a reshuffle and the returning Nathan 'Locks' Henderson opted for the flank and put in a great shift which earned him the MOTM accolade.
Poor decision making from the kick off saw Percy Park try to run out from their 22. A knock on and following scrum saw the Medics 9 dart over. Converted on 26mins. 10-7 Medics.
Park responded in the best way possible. Forward dominance in front of the posts saw Travis Bowart burrow his way over. The conversion was good.10-14 to the away side. It was in medical terms ‘nip and tuck’!
Travis Bowart was unfortunate to get a straight red for a high tackle. Both sets of supporters were undecided on the colour. Decision made. Park down to 14. Backs against the wall ‘The Lions’ dug in. On 42 minutes powerful running by Henderson saw a couple of defenders bounced and he was over in the right corner on 42, Walker converted from the touchline 10-21 at the turn
Medicals came out of the blocks quicker than Park and crossed on 45 minutes. The kick was missed but at 15-21 we were in a game. A sharp move down the right saw Walker grubber through, collect the kick himself and touch down. Great score. But the Team manager was not smiling. 15-26.
Subs were being rolled as the 14 men tired or picked up knocks and the impressive Danny Simpson crossed on 50, converted from wide on the right by Walker. 15-33.
Our backs were beginning to have a field day as Medics tired, Dan Jackson polished off a great performance with a brace of tries on 62 and 65. At 15-45 ‘game over’ we thought. But Park lost the impressive Morse with a groin strain and the last ten minutes belonged to Medicals as the legs of the 14 men tired. Two late tries saw a final score of 25-45.
Percy Park taking maximum bonus points and consolidating their position at the top of Candy 2. Alnwick II in the cup next week who are top of Candy 1and unbeaten.
Representing Percy Park RFC:
From 15: Dan Jackson,Robin Houghton, Paddy Hargreaves, Phil Morse,Stephen Turner, Andrew Walker and Joe Cassidy