UBS CANDY LEAGUE DIVISION 1
PERCY PARK 48 – 28 DARLINGTON MOWDEN PARK
A blistering second half sealed victory for the Lions as they scored 36 unanswered points to inflict the first league defeat of the season against leaders Darlington Mowden Park II. Park were down in the first 3 minutes when Mowden scored a converted try. Inside 12 minutes the home side went further behind when a clearance kick from the 22 was charged down and signs looked ominous at 0 – 14. When Percy Park conceded another converted try and were behind by 21 points things looked bleaker and it seemed as though the boys in black and white were in for a tough day at the office.
Then on 28 minutes an inspirational solo try by skipper Jonny Dubois gave his side hope that they could stem the flow of points and hit back
Mowden responded almost immediately with another converted try to give them an early bonus point and with time ebbing away in the first half, Park were awarded a scrummage in Darlington territory. A number 8 pick up by Jack Davison and a pass to scrum half Stevie Irving set play away down the left hand flank and Oscar Pritchard receive the try scoring pass to go over the line for an unconverted try. The half time whistle went and Park were down 12 – 28 and the supporters could have no perception as to how the tide would turn and Mowden capitulate so spectacularly.
With just 7 minutes gone in the second half Phil Morse broke through the defensive midfield to score under the post and converted his own try. Percy Park were playing a territorial game with long range kicks keeping Mowden Park in their own half, and a further 2 tries the second from Oscar Pritchard gave Park a single point lead 29 – 28 on 66 minutes.
Mowden who had travelled with a squad of 17 seemed to be dropping like flies, with both replacements used, they were down to 14 as a further player limped off and at the end were down to 13 as all the spirit seemed to have gone out of their side.
Tries on 70 minutes by Olly Walker then Zak Rutter and finally Leo Caulfield on 80 minutes gave Park a convincing 48 – 28 win, for stand in coach Chris McDine.
SSE NATIONAL 3 NORTH
MORLEY 32 – 29 PERCY PARK
Park’s disappointment at going down to a last minute try, at Morley was understandable as the side led 17 – 29 with only ten minutes remaining. It looked as though Park were to record a bonus point away win having scored 4 tries through Olly Walker, Jimmy Baldwin, Stu Cannon and a penalty try, but collapsed in the final moments conceding 3 tries.
Next week the coaches will be looking for a return to form as they meet Penrith at Preston Avenue.
PERCY PARK ACADEMY 45 – 19 WESTOE
Park’s Under 18’s bounced back from last week’s exit from the National Cup to record a fine win over Westoe Colts.
BLYTH III 5 – 68 PERCY PARK MARAUDERS 68
An emphatic away win by the Marauders at Blyth should see them top the Northumberland River Coquet League as they remain the only undefeated senior Park side this season.