Percy Park Academy 20 Wigton O
Percy Park Academy 15 Alnwick 7
Two more wins keep the Academy side top of the table with three games remaining. Both home games were played "away" at Monkseaton School due to unplayable pitches at Park.
Against Wigton, Park dominated the first half and played some of their best rugby of the season, scoring four tries through John Lee (2), Jonnie Burn and Joe Wilkinson. Scoreless in the second half Wigton responded well and came back strongly but a resolute Park defence held out to keep the visitors pointless. A serious looking ankle injury resulted in one of the Wigton's players spending overnight in hospital. We wish him well in his re-cooperation.
Man of the Match: Cameron Taylor
Playing Alnwick the following weekend, Park struggled to regain the style, class and composure shown the week before but still ground out a win against a big, physical side. Alnwick arrived with no front row cover and inexperience at hooker, and the game soon had to go to uncontested scrums on safety grounds. This seemed to knock Park out of their stride with the game being a stop / start afair. Scotty Taylor crashed over from a quickly taken tap penalty, Jonathan Cairns scored a great flanker's try, converted by Zac Rutter, then a penalty kick just before half time made it 15 - 0 to the hosts. The second half was frustratingly like the Wigton game with the visitors coming back strongly and Park having little chance to score. Missed tackles let Alnwick in for a seven pointer, though Park never looked like losing the contest. A number of under 16's were "blooded" due to injuries and holidays with all doing well.
Man of the Match: Jonathan Cairns