Boxing Day Donation

The purpose of ‘Boxing Day’ is in the giving and that tradition has been followed faithfully by Percy Park and Rockcliff Rugby Football Clubs in the charitable donation of ‘gate money’ to worthy causes. That tradition has been in place since the two clubs began playing against each other on the 26^th of December since the days of Queen Victoria!

Percy Park has always donated their gate money to Hospital related causes. ‘Back in the day’ somebody somewhere must have had an inkling that our players, at some point in their career, might end up receiving treatment from the capable hands of a Doctor or a nurse as the fixture historically contested the Moor Park Hospital Cup (also known as The Moor Cup). The hospital, located off Norham Road North in North Shields, became part of the NHS family in 1948 before finally closing its doors in 1986 with the emergence of North Tyneside General Hospital.

This year Percy Park have made a sizeable donation to the Accident and Emergency Department at Northumbria Healthcare. The Doctors and Nurses at Accident and Emergency Departments will always have our enduring thanks for being there when our players require their care and attention. Over the years many Percy Park players have graced those revolving doors either as walking wounded or in the back of an ambulance. Who can forget the injuries to Andy Dunn, John Scott, Sean Williamson and Josh Lake…just to name a few….there has been many more!

Pictured is Percy Park RFC Team Manager Tim Walker presenting a cheque to Mr Mike Rickards Consultant in Emergency Care at Northumbria Specialist Emergency Care Hospital, Cramlington.

Many, many thanks to all who gladly donated.

For information the donation was made to: Northumbria Healthcare NHS Charity number CM016 providing Emergency and urgent care services including emergency surgery.

North One East

West Hartlepool RFC 12 v Percy Park RFC 43

Percy Park Lions 50 v Consett 2nds 12

Percy Park Pumas 43 v Novos 12 (awaiting report)

As Dennis rages, Percy Park create a storm of their own as they blow away their opposition

The biggest ‘influencer’ on the day was always going to be a chap called Dennis and as our 1st XV took to the field at Fortress Brinkburn the wind was blowing a mighty hooley across the pitch; favouring the team kicking toward the West Hartlepool clubhouse. Park elected to go with the wind in what was a ‘must win 5 point game’. The travelling faithful lent their support in the realisation that we were contesting that dreaded final relegation spot  and that the conclusion of the contest would have a major say in our ability to stay in North One East. So it was with grim determination that Captain Seb Reece led his team into the gladiatorial arena, watched by a few hardy souls and one or two canine friends, and set player coach Ash Smith the task of sending his team into the West Hartlepool half.

Tynemouth League of Gentlemen and women give generously

Saturday 8th of February was much more than Percy Park entertaining Moortown Rugby Club to a joust across the hallowed turf of Preston Avenue…for the day also belonged to the ‘beer thirsty’, pint and prosecco wielding knights and ladies of Tynemouth who had gathered for benevolent cause…Now our respected grandees are also known to many as the Tynemouth League of Gentlemen….a notorious and fearsome clan when armed with a bucket and spade….

So why much more than the rugby I hear you ask?.....well the answer to that question is simple…for the Tynemouth League of Gentlemen dusted off their armour and gathered to raise funds for Percy Park RFC and the North East Pancreatic Cancer Charitable Trust. After enjoying many drinks and hearty food the ‘boys’ and girls’ raised a total of £ 2,569. An outstanding amount that had Chairperson Neil Duffy verbally emotional.

The Tynemouth League of Gentlemen will always have our thanks and our support in their endeavours. They are very much part of Percy Park’s ‘DNA’ as they are highly respected members of the greater Tynemouth community.

Congratulations to all.