Durham and Northumberlnd 1

Percy Park RFC 34 v Northern RFC 34

Another day different decisions different result.

With honoured guests from Northumberland and England Rugby looking on, Northern kicked off to a much changed Percy Park team in a top of the table clash. Match expectancy had drawn a large crowd with familiar faces from dearest rivals and that expectancy was rewarded with a real contest that came down to the last play of the game. It was exciting and nail biting stuff! Post-game comment surrounded the thought and question; how in earth had Northern managed to draw that game? The answer was in several parts the first being their desire not to be beaten, the second from the Falcons playbook as Kupa stepped up to show his Premier League rugby experience and the third from a player who went from ‘Zero to Hero’ in the time it took him to sprint the length of the Preston Avenue pitch on the ‘last play’. In the asking many considered the role Percy Park played to enable their opponents the opportunity to draw. The home side had as much desire as Northern and were (on the day) the better team. At the turn Park were 22 to 6 up and had the upper hand. As we restarted the game, and for a short period, we fell off the tackles in the midfield and failed to manage possession of the ball. If we had managed that period a bit better the sting would have been taken out of the Northern impetus. With last play called the home side were ‘7 up’ and remained camped on the Northern try line. A score looked likely, then we went wide attracting the intercept. A floating ball was caught and the Northern player was off. If we had kept it tight, managed that period in another way the result might have been different. If’s and maybe’s. Fine margins. Another day different decisions different result…Great game though…for the neutral...the more partisan of us had a stress attack!

It took seven minutes for Percy Park to opening the scoring. An offside decision allowing Ash Smith a punt at goal. The start was a lively affair with some big hits but the notable factor was Park had more than an edge in the scrum. The omens looked good for the set piece. Unfortunately flanker Jake Smith appeared to get his foot caught as he was cleared away from the ruck causing an injury. He continued on playing an important role in the penalty award. In obvious pain the player left the fray to find (later that day) he had fractured his foot! 3 nil Park

A failed intercept…mind it was close...allowed the Northern winger some space and attracted a penalty at the breakdown. A free ball came to nothing. 3 all

On the 15 mark Percy Park profited from a well worked move in the lineout allowing hooker Jonny Dubois room to attack the Northern try line. A little step and the player came inside. The covering tackle was good but the player legs in the air made good the touch down. The conversion was difficult and missed. 8 to 5

Park were on it again when Ash Smith put in a bullet pass to the advancing wing Ollie Stephenson. The try momentum started with a great scrum that saw Northern being pushed backwards. Yards taken the ball was given to scrum half Robin Houghton and from a ruck Northern contracted allowing Smith the space to work. Conversion taken 15 to 3. Houghton was playing well at 9.

A lapse on the floor as referee Rikki Handa was heard to penalise a Park player for holding on allowed Northern to reduce the deficit by 3. Shortly after Northern were reduced to 14 as Handa gave the yellow for a deliberate knock down. Park went to the line but couldn’t put points on the board. Eight minutes into the 10 Park were given reward with a penalty try. Desperate defence held Park at bay. The referee finally losing patience as a Northern player infringed on the Park ‘maul’. Park’s forwards were enjoying their afternoon albeit Northern had a little spell of their own just before the whistle. 22- 6 and into the half.

The chat at the interval did more for Northern than the home side. As the game commenced Leo Caulfield was penalised for going in at the side. The resulting kick down the line. There Northern stayed. We were penalised for wheeling a scrum and the pressure stayed on. The line out went to the trundle with Smith holding it up over the line. On the release Northern went wide with numbers over to score in the corner.

From the restart Kupa at 12 began to play. Some deft passes kept his back line moving forward. We had the opportunity to clear and in truth I thought Northern were lucky not to be penalised for holding on with Paul Spowart well over the ball, however it was not to be, and Kupa with hands on ball shimmied over the line. With both tries converted we were in a 22 to 20 game. All in the space of 8 minutes.

After the second score Park took a breath and attacked. On 15 minutes in Percy Park were awarded a penalty as a Northern player appeared to slow the game down by staying instead of rolling. The penalty kick went down the line and what followed was the best try of the game. Ganders up the forwards mauled, pushed and dragged the Northern pack backwards and over the try line with Jonny Dubois scoring a great forwards try. A great try has to be awarded with a great conversion and so it proved with Ash Smith putting in a monster of a kick. 29-20.

For the next 10 or so minutes we saw some thunderous rugby being played before a static defence let Northern back in. A deft offload put an unmarked Kupa in possession. You could almost see his eyes light up as he ran unopposed over the try line. Back to a two point lead.

The game went back to the thunder a Matty Atkinson charge, supported by Adam Hay, created the overlap and with Josh Hedley lurking on the wing Ollie Stephenson put in a ground eating pass to find him. Despite a covering defense Josh went over in the corner to score. The conversion was difficult and missed.34 to 27.

Percy Park remained the dominant side. A kickable penalty award was not taken and Percy Park went to the 5 metre line. A crucial decision. The line out was butchered and we lost possession. Good luck and a bobbling ball gave Park the ball back allowing the home side to renew the pressure.

It was all Percy Park. A chance went begging as the referee adjudged that we held on as we drove for the line. A forward pass under pressure gave the ball back to the team in black and white. Four minutes to go and Northern were continually on the scramble. Park needed to finish the game off.

Pressed on the line Northern defended and tackled. Park needed to be patient. On the time wire Percy Park went from tight to open. The Northern full back intercepted and ran the whole length of the pitch. The home support was hoping that the player might find one of the cow field divots so regularly brought to management attention to fall into. Alas he ran straight and under the posts.

The last kick of the game being the conversion that left a drawn game and Percy Park ruing missed opportunities. Never the less a great contest that had supporters on the edge of their seats.

Representing Percy Park RFC:

From 15: Paul Spowart, Ollie Stephenson, Seb Reece (capt), Tom Moore, Howard Stock, Ash Smith and Robin Houghton

From 1: Matty Atkinson, Jonny Dubois, Marc Cook, Sam Digman, Josh Hedley, Andy Dunn, Jake Smith, and Michael Langlands.

Finishers: Adam Hay, Karl Thompson and Leo Caulfield

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Tough Day on the paddock as Morse forgets then finds his boots

Candy Division 2

Morpeth RFC Edwardians 27 v Percy Park RFC Lions 48

Despite the fantastic preparation the seniors have had this week the Lions made hard work of this priceless victory at the top of Candy Division 2. Playing on the pitch ‘over the bridge’ caused some disruption to the match/ team build up but to be fair it was the same for both sides and Morpeth fielding a very experienced Ed’s team started the better.

The game did not start well. On 3 minutes we infringed in front of the posts and they converted 3-0 to the home side. Our line out was struggling ; losing the first four of our own throws but every time the ball went to Morsey at 10 we looked dangerous.

On 9 minutes we got into our stride with the free running Toby Davison cutting through the home defence to score. 3-8 to the Lions. There was nothing between the two sides and on 15 the pressure from the Morpeth pack showed and they went over but missed the kick 8-5 to Edwardians .Percy Park came back well. The scrum and line were steadying and the destructive Travis Bowart powered through on 19. Morsey converted 8-12 Lions.

Morpeth went to route one and it was a successful tactic. Their attack was finding gaps. On 25 minutes, a couple of infringements and Morpeth forced their way over. Fortunately the converting kick was missed. 13-12 Ed’s. Nip and tuck.

More close quarter skirmishing was the order of the day. The Lions centres Henderson and Davison looked dangerous but the Morpeth scramble defence held. Then at last some good open play which saw Dan Jackson scorch down the right wing to go over on 30 mins. 13-17 to the visitors and that’s how the half ended.

With a packed bench multiple changes were made and the impressive Sam Leeds made his debut in the best way with a killer first tackle (we will hear a lot more of him in the future).

Stern words were heard on the half and as we re-entered the fray going up the hill. The desire to win propelled ‘Steiners’ powered over on 43. The score giving us a little distance at 13-22. (I think Phil left his Kicking boots at West last week!)

A little bit of fortune allowed Morpeth back in the game and the travelling support were not amused. A quick taken penalty behind the refs back saw their 9 run in unopposed. 20-22. Park were riled, as Morpeth tired they started to run from everywhere. Fantastic play down the right saw Nathan Henderson make 50 yards and pop inside to Joe Cassidy to score under the posts 20 -29.

The kick off was botched giving Park the ball and Morpeth found themselves back in their 22. An inviting cross kick from Morsey was eagerly gathered by Andrew Clyde who popped to Danny Simpson to cross. The kick was good 20 -36. Tails up now and more pressure saw the gates open up for Travis who ran in from 22 metres out for his second try of the game. 20 -41.

The game looked to be running away from Morpeth. A consolation try from close quarters brought them momentarily in touch at 27 -41 but Park ensured the last word with the impressive Alex Lamb going over. Phil Morse converted and 27-48 is how the game ended.

A game of rugby that for an hour could have gone either way yet the Lions stuck to their task and rightly go back to the top of the league. Next week Westoe away.

Representing Percy Park RFC:

From 8: Andrew Clyde, Travis Bowart, Jacob Dunsdon, Eddie Saint, Ben Butler, Mark Sanderson, Peter Basara and Andrew Steinberg

From 15: Dan Jackson, Stephen Turner, Nathan Henderson, Toby Davidson, Oli Ellis, Phil Morse and Joe Cassidy.

Finishers: Steven Dryden, Sean Nairn, Sam Leeds, Alex Lamb, Phil Harrison and Dan Simpson

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Durham and Northumberland 1

West Hartlepool RFC 36 v Percy Park RFC 35

"You couldn’t write it but someone has to!"

 

With minutes to go the author of this report wrote his article title ‘West hit Card Trouble’ and having done so watched a Park side implode losing a 13 point lead against thirteen players. What was needed was calm collective thinking and what we got was the opposite. A bit like General Custer at The Big Horn or Captain Schettino on the Concordia. The loss of two players galvanised ‘West’ and we appeared to go into panic mode losing two players of our own before losing the game by a point. The cheer that erupted from the clubhouse end was volcanic and was joined by some very dubious daddy dancing. For one moment I thought I had seen Buster Bloodvessel. Still credit where credit is due the West Hartlepool side worked together and refused to be beaten and we applaud them for it. Unfortunately for us this has happened before; Huddersfield YM and Durham City away are two games that come to mind. The sharp lesson it provides can be (and should) embraced and taken onto the training field, where hopefully the defeat can be used to develop our young side onto to success in the future. If you like we can call it a re-set after all we are only half way through the season.

The game was all about the second half. The first was ‘nip and tuck’ and all about the catch and drive. West hadn’t lost at home and played with a confidence of a team that should be higher placed in the League. After an early exchange of penalties the first distance in the score line was achieved by a catch and drive from the home side. We responded with a penalty followed by a catch and drive of our own. Nip and tuck.

Both sides had opportunities to score. A poor pass robbed West of a try and a repelled catch and drive from a penalty saw a Park chance go to the wind. The first yellow card of the afternoon was given to the home side as their fly half took a 10 minute break. Although a man down a quick tap and go from West saw Park retreat 10 and then fail to tackle the ball carrier as he weaved across to score. 17-13 at the turn and an even contest.

On the half Percy Park mixed it up bringing Josh Hedley on in the second row. His appearance had an immediate effect for two very different reasons. His instantaneous impact gave us the advantage in the scrum and the ball at the feet of the West eight was less assured. Then Josh was given a yellow all of his own and we ended up a man down. A kick to the corner and West went to the catch and drive and bundled over for the score. 22-13

Our lineout wasn’t working and we weren’t protecting the ball as we should. A change of personnel and Jonny Dubois entered the fray. He like Josh Hedley had an immediate effect. West were penalised and a man down after a deliberate attempt to slow the play. Park went to the line-out and the (you guessed it) the catch and drive with Jonny Dubois getting that all important touch down. The conversion sneaked over. 22-27.A further Park penalty increased the deficit .22-30 and the match time clock was running out for the home side.

With minutes left on the clock a West Hartlepool player fell out with the referee in spectacular blue style and received his marching orders under the colour of red. You could call that colourful exchange of views.

Percy Park made the numerical player number count. Andrew Dunn getting the score. Unfortunatly the conversion wasn’t made, the ball striking the post. At that point it didn’t seem to matter. 22-35 with minutes to go and West Hartlepool shorthanded for the rest of the game. And it was here I made the fatal mistake of making a note of the title of this missive…West Hit Card Trouble…next time I will keep my thoughts to myself and my trap shut….and never to assume the loss of two points will be okay!

What happened? You couldn’t, and it hurts to, write this…Collectively West Hartlepool gave Percy Park a lesson that hopefully we shall never forget. Despite being shorthanded they showed a collective spirit and a desire to win that, when you are up against it, we would do well to replicate. Gaining possession of the ball the home side patiently worked their way down field until they were in a line threatening position. Once there they played keep ball and we went to pot. Michael Langlands attracted the first yellow closely followed by Paul Spowart who (accordingly to the post-match chat with the ref) deliberately slapped the ball away from a receiving West Player. The action preventing a try scoring position. With two players down, Park’s defence in disarray, West coolly fashioned a gap allowing their fly half to score. Conversion taken.29-35.

From the kick off the ball returned to the home side. I believe at this point it was thirteen versus thirteen however West Hartlepool may have been increased to fourteen players. Anyhow… the ball was retained and we lost 10 metres after some ill-timed back chat to the referee. The loss of the ‘10’ was crucial as the metres put the home side in a commanding territorial position. Not wasting the opportunity they worked the ball from left to right. A side step and a roving winger put them in front of the posts. Percy Park were scrambling to prevent a score. Our defence came up but could not prevent the Hartlepool wing from borrowing over to score. Having worked the ball to in front of the posts the conversion was a formality.36-35 and cue the volcanic roar and a Buster Bloodvessel appearance.

The conversion was the last play of a hard fought and even game. Congratulations to West Hartlepool; all you can say is ‘well done’, at least we came away with two bonus points so all was not lost…should have been five though!

Northern on Saturday where hopefully we will give a response…let’s see if we can bring a full house and encourage our team back to winning ways.

Representing Percy Park RFC:

From 15: Paul Spowart, Stephen Turner, Howard Stock (capt), Tom Moore, Andrew Walker, Ash Smith and Joe Cassidy

From 1: Matty Atkinson, Adam Hay, Marc Cook, Michael Langlands, Karl Thompson, Andy Dunn, Jake Smith, and Leo Caulfield.

Finishers: Jonny Dubois, Sam Digman, Josh Hedley.

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SUNDERLAND RFC 13 – 29 PERCY PARK RFC

A mostly unmemorable game will be recalled in the future for one of the best tries you’ll see… To quote Max Boyce “and I know cos I was there” 

Park travelled to the Ashbrooke Sports Ground to take on Sunderland with both sides having enforced breaks to the season due to storm Arwen, waterlogged pitch and Covid. Thankfully despite several changes for both teams since Park won 69 – 15 at Preston Avenue back in September 2021 this was for the most part a keenly contested match with the visitors running out winners with a try bonus point.

The rain stayed off, but an overnight downpour left the pitch a bit clarty underfoot and made handling difficult. Park opened the scoring on 5 minutes when lock Josh Hedley went over after bursting through the Sunderland defence and making it to the line, with Paul Spowart adding the extras.

For the rest of the half both sides toughed it out, but the game was a litany of knock-ons, scrums and penalties with both sides defences holding firm. Park lost Jake Smith to the sin bin on 14 minutes for a high tackle and Sunderland’s play maker fly-half Edmundson was forced to leave the field after 30 minutes with an injury. After a stop start 10 minutes or so Park were awarded a kickable penalty just outside the home 22. Opting for a kick to the corner and line out, Park’s efforts were thwarted and pressure relieved when the referee adjudged an infringement had taken place as the black and white pressed for the line.

A couple of minutes later with another penalty to Park in a similar position Paul Spowart stepped up to kick the goal for 3 points as the whistle blew and at the break it was Sunderland 0 – 10 Percy Park.