National ‘Papa John’s’ Community Plate Competition

Regional 2 Plate North Round Two

Percy Park RFC 41 v Rochdale RUFC 22

A glorious 80 minutes from Tank takes Park to Birkenhead

Rochdale came across the Pennines quietly confident. The faithful looked to the skies. Scudding black clouds and a persistent energy sapping rain did not set the scene to provide a classic home performance. It was a really manky day. It’s no secret; Percy Park prefers a running pitch. Gluttonous mud can often aid the away side and as the sides took to the pitch the chat on the side-lines was all about the drizzle. Could the weather aid ‘Dale’? Could the Lancashire side translate their quiet confidence into victory winning points? The answer arrived after 20 minutes of sussing each other out. Rochdale were blown away by a spirited and ruthless Percy Park. Chris Reekie led from the front and put in some tremendous hits. The stage was set and Park refused to let go of the game. Game management and clinical execution brought warm praise from Coach Keith Laughlin:

“On a day which was the opposite of last week and therefore, on paper, should be a more difficult day to execute our gameplan I thought we were outstanding. To score 41 points and still have a half assed effort in last twenty minutes excites me for next week. Some of our attacking play, to put it through the hands, combined with the lines of running off the ball was very good. Defensive work was pleasing from a system point of view where a couple of individual errors let us down which we will touch on this week in training. But these small mistakes were overshadowed by a glorious 80 minutes from Christopher Reekie. There is a prime example of a quietly spoken man doing all his talking by hitting people that I can only imagine is at the same force of a Fiat 500 knocking you over at 30 mph.

The gallery will love the tries being scored but I loved the defensive sets for phases, little things off the ball which we have put into practice this season to create a strong foundation to set these scores up. A lot to look forward to and be confident with for a trip to Birkenhead.”

The opening minutes were brutal. Knockout competition raises the stakes and Rochdale took the fight to the home side. Players were flying into the rucks. One or two exchanges had the referee looking without going to the card. Rochdale played a miss move in centre field. Dale came through the line with Ash Smith receiving a nasty bump under his left eye. The play went to the ruck until Percy Park were penalised for a high tackle. An easy strike for Rochdale. Penalty taken. Dale ahead by three. Encouraged they came on. Hard hits from Josh Hedley, Paul Spowart and Chris Reekie had the away side rocked back on their heels. Dale could find no way past an organised Park side. Momentum swung and Percy Park went on the offense.

Rochdale were up quick with a rush defence. Percy kept the ball and whittled away Rochdale’s energy. Probing kicks and astute use of the penalty from player coach Ash Smith took Percy Park to the line out. A nice nudge placing Percy Park well within the away sides 22. The faithful knew the script. A clean catch and we were on the drive. With the ‘pedal to the metal’ we were over. The move was quick and Rochdale couldn’t prevent hooker Dan Shuttleworth from notching the score. The conversion missed. 5 points to 3.

The game was furious and entertaining to watch. A Michael Langlands tackle followed by a great work by Chris Reekie to get over the ball bought a penalty chance. Ash Smith had a look. The strike was within range and the points were duly taken. 8 points to 3 and Park were in their stride. And what a stride. From the restart fast ball and overlapping players working hard stretched the defence. Jonny Dubois raced forward before off loading to the supporting Tom Robinson. The young scrum half had work to do. Head down he went for the line. Swift feet taking him over for a fantastic team try. The conversion missed. 13 points to 3. For the first time in the game Rochdale heads went down.

Encouragement came from the large travelling support. It was to no avail. Tactically Rochdale had lost control. They couldn’t clear the ball from their red zone and any meaningful possession was kicked away as the ball carrier was placed under pressure. We won’t mention Jamie Wrigley’s failure to off load the ball as an undefended try line went begging.

A knock on (or about) Rochdale’s 22 gave Park another chance. A Langlands pick up and out had the home side running numerous dummy lines. As a consequence, a gap opened up and Ash Smith gladly took advantage to stride through and score, Try converted 20 points to 3 and we believed there was no way back for the visiting side. Rochdale tried. Probing our touch line as we erred on the offside. Percy Park absorbed and kept the Lancashire side out. We were a little eager with the front foot and Jonny Dubois felt the referee’s frustration taking a team yellow. Half time beckoned. Rochdale elected to run the ball rather than taking the three points on offer. The move broke down with a poor pass. Park ushering the ball in touch. Frustrated the Rochdale lock throw and arm and a little flare up took us into the turnaround and a warning to both sides from the referee.

The halftime whistle had ‘our’ Robin’s partner heading home for a change of clothes. Enjoying much needed time off with pint in hand the young surgeon was waxing lyrical on how cute scrum half Tom Robinson looked when she was struck in the midriff by a clearing kick. The hard-earned pint cascaded over clothing. Jobba jogged over with towel in hand. What a gentleman we thought rescuing a damsel in need. We should have known better. Jobba collected and wiped the ball clean before handing the pill to Dan Shuttleworth for the throw in; leaving poor Emma covered in Brians best Atlantic beer. A little chuckle and he was off. All I can say is that I’m glad Jobba is no longer on the NHS waiting list for his new hip!!

Fourteen men didn’t phase Park. They hit the second half quickly with two ‘quick fire’ tries. First over was prop Aaron Smith with a thunderous ‘pick and go’ closely followed by Ash Smith with a mazy weave to the line. Both tries converted and Park were ahead by 34 points to 3. It really wasn’t Rochdale’s day. knock ons, mis placed passes and poor decision-making life difficult.

Their MOM Edward ‘Eddie’ Shanks was trying to carry his team forward. Then he was hit by the Reekie Rocket. The hit heard on Tynemouth beach. Shanks bounced to his feet and sportingly congratulated his opponent. Some tackle and drew the comparison to ‘Tank’ driving a Fiat 500; however, I doubt he would fit in one! Certainly, an impressive moment in the game that had Captain Seb Reece naming the second row as a ‘Taker of souls.’

Coach Laughlin ran the bench at the end of the yellow and we were back up to 15. A slice of fortune brought Rochdale forlorn hope. A speculative punt over the rush defence and a favourable bounce gave the Rochdale ‘10’ the ball. Our full back was up and made a super tackle. The ball went forward. An obvious knock on. Play continued as Rochdale flooded Parks try line. I thought we had the ball but it slipped out of grasp and Rochdale touched down to score. Their effort converted.

As the rain deluged Park became a little sloppy and our penalty count went slightly north. Percy Park stuck at it and brought the ball in front of the Rochdale posts. A good scrum had Dale rocked on the slippery surface. Tom Robinson flipped the ball to his right with Seb Reece crashing over to score. Duly converted the score stood at 41 to 10.

With the margin high Park didn’t maintain their high standards. The conditions were miserable and as Keith Laughlin suggested we got a “half assed effort” in the final 20 minutes. Not surprisingly Rochdale took advantage. They are a good side and as our individual errors let them back in. Overall, our penalty count was 17 to Rochdale’s 6. Dale took the points on offer finishing the contest on a 41 to 22 scoreline. At the whistle nobody hung around on the pitch or on the side of it. Hot showers and a warmer were the order of the day. Honestly the weather was dire!

Representing Percy Park RFC

From 15: Jamie Wrigley, Howard Stock, Seb Reece, Ross Young, Tom Robinson, Toby Davison and Charley Miller

From 8: Leo Caulfield, Jonny Dubois, Andy Dunn, Josh Hedley, Michael Langlands, Chris Reekie, Dan Shuttleworth and Aaron Smith.

Finishers: Niall Combe, Paul Spowart and Adam Hay.

National ‘Papa John’s’ Community Plate Competition

Regional 2 Plate North Round Two

Vale of Lune RUFC 17 v Percy Park RFC 26

Super moment from Spow wins the day

As the game spiralled into the final breath-taking ten minutes the game was tight. Percy Park led by two points and Vale of Lune were pressing. The contest was absorbing. For the neutral a great game to watch. For the home supporter it was nerve wrecking. For the visiting faithful seriously exciting. We felt victory was in the air and of our making. Park wrestled the ball free and attacked the home 22. A high tackle floored Jonny Dubois. He stayed down as a Vale forward was shown a yellow card. Groans from the stand. A home supporter went into melt down. Eight minutes to go and Park looked for a hero. The ball spun to the right to find the rushing Paul Spowart. With a strong grip ‘on the pill’ Spowart drove through and bounced off several attempted tackles to score wide right in the corner. The faithful were jubilant. The score took us to seven clear and we needed the conversion to create a two-score margin for the 14 men of the Vale to chase. The kick was from out wide and difficult. Spowart took time on the placing. The melt down to my right went atomic. Tension. A deeply drawn hush cascaded across the ground as Spowart walked back and set himself. As the player approached and confidently struck the ball there was an audible exhale. The ball sailed between the posts. Spowart converting his own try. Diggas watched and up went his flag, closely followed by the home linesman. A roar from the away side. 17 to 26. Park were home with 4 minutes to go. Silence enveloped the Powder House Lane ground. We knew it and so did they. A super moment from Spow had won the day.

Percy Park arrived decked in spring sunshine which lit up the beautifully manicured pitch at Powder House Lane, Lancaster. Hasty comparisons were made with our own Preston Avenue pitch and as a consequence the esteemed author of this column entered the clubhouse with earache. We were met with an apology. The barbeque wasn’t fired and that lunch would be liquid. As the hospitality flowed a granola breakfast was struggling to contain. My esteemed colleague from Vale was having the same issue and by kick off was unable to separate South from North Shields. To make matters worse a tall Park grandee admitted that he had received ‘tips’ off Henry Coopers wife!

We started quickly and were unlucky not to be awarded an early try with Dan ‘Fish’ Shuttleworth was adjudged not to have grounded the ball. Vale shook off the poor start and for the opening quarter provided the greater threat. Fly half Toby Davison kept Park in the game with three try saving tackles.

The deadlock was broken after fifteen minutes as Park drifted offside giving Vale by a penalty kick on the 22. A kick taken by their centre Chris Ramwell. Three nil to the home side. We responded well with some strong carries from our forwards. We continued to press. Tying in the defence before releasing our back line. In truth we wasted several good opportunities to score. Our lineout and set play were, generally, going well but we couldn’t execute. One penalty to the corner took us to their line. And what did we do.....butchered the line out. Vale attacked off our poor ball and with some aplomb. Only a last-ditch tackle from Jamie Wrigley brought their lightening attack to an end. We continued to press. We had the edge. From a quick penalty we created a three man overlap. Jamie Wrigley wide on the left. Outmanoeuvred and out numbered Vale could only watch as Jamie scored under the posts. Paul Spowart converting.

Tom Robinson was having an influence at scrum half. His darting runs ‘in and around’ the fringes was causing the home side consternation. A poor scrum on the half way line proved to be our undoing. Somehow Vale had their hands on the ball. Two quick and sharp passes had Vale full back Ben Walker crossing the line. The try converted as we headed into the half time huddle. Vale ahead by 10 points to seven.

During the interval Coach Keith Laughlin worked his magic and Park came out fighting. The interval chat had given the away side an extra step. The faithful’s chat was equally interesting as we heard that Josh Hedley’s mum and Dad had been away on holiday whale watching with Julie having difficulty in determining who was 'what'!.

Percy Park had determined space out wide and were keen to exploit. Only a dubious call from ‘Digga the linesmen’ prevented Park a promising start to the half. Not to be denied Tom Robinson was the beneficiary of some outstanding work from Ross Young. Attacking the space Ross drew in defenders. Unable to bring the player to ground we were behind and alive. The ball moved and Robinson was over in a flash. Park at their ruthless best. Unfortunately, we couldn’t convert. 10 points to 12.

We continued to carry and harry. Park were enjoying their moment and it was not long before Ross Young was causing further mayhem. We went to the ruck and then it was all about the line and delivery. Tom Robinson set Park away. Really fast passes put wing Howard Stock in space. Our speedy wing made sure crossing unopposed and under the posts to score. An easy conversion. Park ahead by 9 points.

Rattled and knowing this was knockout rugby Vale dug deep. Some astute coaching brought a rejig to their line. Keeping the ball in the forwards Vale restricted Park from playing. Their full back was having a major influence with some knowledgeable kicking.

Their riposte was superb. Vale carried to our try line. They held on and picked before substitute Sam Walton crossed claiming his first ever try for the Vale first team. The try was converted despite my assurances that the ball would be ‘hooked’. We had ourselves a two-point game. The atmosphere was tense. The tie absorbing. Knockout rugby at its best.

The game entered the final quarter. Vale knocked on and let Park off the hook. The Vale scrum half became too eager giving away territory as he repeatedly crept off side. A promising move came to naught as Josh Hedley, attempting to take a pass on his bootlaces, knocked on. The game ebb and flowed and then we were into the final two minutes and that moment.

Vale of Lunes second row Joe Harrison, who had been the Vale's most effective forward, went high on Dubois. The home crowd disagreed. Years ago, that would have been classed as a ‘great hit’ but times have changed and in the opinion of the referee, the second row saw yellow. The home support vehemently disagreed especially a gentleman to my right.

Down to fourteen men, the Vale defended and we attacked. Especially ‘that man’ Spowart. His try putting the game out of reach. A great performance by Percy Park that brought some praise and reflections for games ahead from Coach Keith Laughlin

“Overall super positive as we created ample opportunities to score. We had no idea what to expect and I was very pleased how we started the game. We have been working on our shape in open play as well as working off the ball in transition and this was evident yesterday with our shape and kick return creating aforementioned opportunities. Some of the defensive effort was pleasing to watch but a couple of lapses in concentration to stay connected and wrestling rather than chopping gave them easy yards and led to a couple of their tries.”

Representing Percy Park RFC

From 15: Jamie Wrigley, Howard Stock, Seb Reece, Ross Young, Tom Robinson, Toby Davison and Charley Miller

From 8: Leo Caulfield, Jonny Dubois, Andy Dunn, Josh Hedley, Michael Langlands, Chris Reekie, Dan Shuttleworth and Aaron Smith.

Finishers: Niall Combe, Paul Spowart and Adam Hay.

On a final note, I have to say that many of the faithful take a great deal of effort to be ‘sharp as a dart’ and it has to be said taking Compo and Clegg to Vale raised an eyebrow or two. I am sure that this, along with the liquid lunch, can only be the reason why the Vale think we come from South Shields because dressed like that who can blame them!

Talking of shockers. Our Toby misplaced his lap top on the bus and left his keys in the changing room at Park. Not the best thing you can do when your tired, worse the wear and needing to get up for work at 6:30 in the morning.....never again he says that is until the the third round!

National ‘Papa John’s’ Community Plate Competition

Regional 2 Plate North

Percy Park RFC 28 v Scarborough RUFC 23

Miller causes a flutter as Park enter the second-round draw.

Percy Park edged an entertaining game. Although we lead for the majority it was never a done deal. Even the final kick (or was that the final attempted kick) provided consternation in the crowd as the Scarborough charge down placed the ball in no mans land and a race to possession. Possession would give the receiver the ability to end the game or score a try. The foot race was won by Park narrowly beating the Scarborough ‘6’ to the ball. The pick and pass to player coach Ash Smith was dispatched to the touch line with a banana slice that was almost caught by the oncoming Scarborough wing. The visiting wing swore and so did the crowd! A breathless end to a highly enjoyable game that had all the thrills and spills of knockout competition.

Our final league position determined which competition or format Percy Park entered. That being Cup, Plate or Bowl, pool or straight knockout. The Regional 2 Plate competition is knockout comprising of 32 teams. All sounds great but here is the whinge. When we entered this National Competition all the clubs expected a round robin where you were guaranteed one or more games; and at least a home fixture. For some reason that didn’t transpire in the plate competition meaning victory ensured your season remained competitive and the loss meant an early bath and a shortened playing campaign. A subject that was eagerly discussed pre- and post-match. More so post-match as Scarborough began to contemplate the loss of revenue the defeat brought. Owning a healthy home support this competition would have assured Scarborough a big crowd and a hearty sponsors lunch. The loss of a home fixture and the cost of a bus up-to Percy Park has seen a significant financial loss. I am sure this is not what the RFU intended but it is the reality of the format they have elected to play. Needs more thought if this competition will prove viable and attractive for clubs to enter. At the heart of everything is revenue. A hard cold fact but it is the dollar that ensures survival in today’s tough financial times.

Ash Smith opened the scoring with a well taken penalty. A fast and furious start had both teams launching into the fray. No quarter was asked or given. Prop Aaron Smith had an outstanding opening period knocking down all in front and winning ball. I’m not sure what was said in the warm up but it had certainly captured Aaron Smith. Both teams were disciplined in their approach but as the game went to the ‘furious’ one had to err and that was Scarborough. Caught offside as Park pressed the try line. First blood to the home side.

Undeterred Scarborough led by the very impressive William Rennard at blind side retrieved the ball at the restart and through some tidy possession play attracted a penalty kick of their own. Ross Young penalised for not releasing the player. Significant advantage was given but the away side could not capitalise. Back to the penalty and duly taken. Three a piece. It has to be said that the flowing locks of the Scarborough six did not go unnoticed by a tall Percy Park alikado who of late has been watching too many historical Viking dramas. The constant reference to Ragnar Lothbruk and Valhalla was worrying. Being born in Sunderland is the only excuse I can think of.

The game was hard fought. The watching faithful believed if we kept the ball up front we could edge the contest. And so, it proved with Josh Hedley leading the catch and drive with a slimmer forward receiving the ball at the back to touch down for the try. Visibility was reducing as a grey blanket of fine rain soaked the pitch and supporter. I’m just not sure who got over but I think it might have been Paul Spowart as he joined the drive unseen from the technical area. Scarborough were the architects of their doom as a defending player did not make an attempt to roll away denying scrum half Charley Miller quick ball. Easy penalty and one that Ash Smith took to the corner. Catch and drive. Job done. The conversion missed.

Our second score was a good one. The game was end to end. Parks initial superiority in the scrum had been nullified insuring that the set piece was going to possession. Charley Miller was having a cracking game as he drove his team forward and exploited space around him. Percy Park were knocking at the door testing Scarborough’s defence. Miller saw a gap and an accidental head collision brought the game to a stop. More of a head to nose with the Scarborough player bouncing back. Percy Park worked the back of the scrum really well moving the ball to Captain Seb Rees who was loitering wide on the right. Very good team try. Unfortunately, the conversion was missed. Score stood at 13 points to 3.

Scarborough fought back. Ragnar was causing Park all sorts of problems with his direct running. Scarborough’s 15 and 9 were asking questions. Referee Paul Minto was having a good game. Quick on the whistle meant the players responded in kind. The game was fast. The ball was being thrown around and it was a great watch. A last-ditch tackle from Charley Miller, beneath our posts, prevented the visiting William Mann from scoring off a penalty advantage. Percy Park caught offside as they tried to close space from a defensive line. Paul Minto brought Scarborough back to the penalty. An easy shot that brought the first half scoring to a close at 13 points to 3.

Park had their opportunities to extend the lead. Jamie Wrigley was causing problems ranging from his wing at 11. When we got into the red zone, we couldn’t make it pay. A line out move didn’t work out when a return to the catch and drive might have brought a more fruitful result. Not to worry Park ahead at the break.

Scarborough came out flying. The introduction of Ropeti-Ropeti into the visiting pack provided some muscle. Percy Park were held in their 22 and offended twice in quick succession. Each occasion being penalised for being offside. With advantage Scarborough came to the line. Percy Park’s defence was really good. Scarborough were tied in. The deadlock broken by a long looping pass to the right wing who displayed real strength to hold back Toby Davison as our full back endeavoured to prevent him from scoring. Reinforced the winger was over for the try. The conversion missed. 13-11.

The restart saw referee Minto clattered by Jonny Dubois as the player made a beeline for the ball. Play was held up as our arbitrator enjoyed a back rub off the Scarborough physio. Our Caroline not wanting to place her hands on the Northumberland referee’s skin. Deep heat sorted the issue and we carried on.

We entered a period when we really struggled to contain Scarborough. Their hooker marginally went offside. Tight call but it gave Park the penalty in the middle of the field and the opportunity to kick for touch, turning defence into attack. Scarborough failed to hold Josh Hedley at the line out and we were on it. The visitors barely containing Percy Parks back line. The ball went to the line out then the ruck. Prop Aaron Smith using his bulk to crash over. Converted 20 points to 11

Our next score was worth the admission money alone. Arguably one of the best tries we have seen this season. Again, Scarborough were pressing and again they infringed by going off their feet in the ruck. Ash Smith took the opportunity to calm the game down by taking time to instruct Toby Davison to take the ‘free’ kick. The ball was placed downfield to the line out. We went infield and a disguised pass from Josh Hedley had Jamie Wrigley screaming through the line. Pace and strength brushed off several tackles. Wrigley was behind the defensive line. The crowd were on their toes and our linesman Jobba had broken into a rare sprint to catch up. The offload to Leo Caulfield was class yet the pass inside from Caulfield to Toby Davison was better. The pass taking out all the cover giving Toby the easiest of ‘touch-downs’. Great try and, thankfully, Leo elected to pass rather than kicking the ball into the corner. Conversion missed. 25 to 11.

Scarborough had to reply and they knew it. Time was not on their side. They came flying at Park and we had to defend. We didn’t help matters with a knock on and several infringements allowing the pressure to stay on. Scarborough’s ‘8’, and Captain, Andrew Govier was having an influence. From the back of a scrum and finding no defence Govier ran toward our posts unimpeded. Scoring the easiest of tries. Converted to take the score 25 points to 18.

Hooker Dan Shuttleworth saved his teams blushes as he put in a tremendous match saving tackle under our posts. The hit hurt and he took the knee. This time our Caroline put hands to skin which brought her a quizzical’ Why not me?’ look from Mr Minto. The tackle turned over ball and we made our way up the field toward the Scarborough line to bag a penalty shot at goal. Ash Smith taking the valuable 3 points. 28-18. Less than 8 to go.

In an attempt to speed up the game a Scarborough assistant was up and down the pitch wiping the mud off the match ball ensuring better grip for his team at the set piece. Such was the need for speed he took a pass from one of his own players right in the kisser. Fortunately, he saw the funny side. Had to really as there wasn’t much sympathy coming his way other than a wincing ‘OOHH’ and peals of laughter.

Scarborough hit hard and went through the phases. We gave ground and penalties. The away side kept the ball alive. Andrew Govier broke through once more and darted to our line. Shouts came from the touch line encouraging our players to get across. Everybody watching had bought in. We needed a tackle. Charley Miller got across aided by Seb Rees. Govier went down but the ball stayed alive with Ragnar flying through a static defence to score. Talk about drama. It was annoying but the score made the contest all that more absorbing……for the neutral. The drama gave the faithful palpitations. Would have preferred a clear run but, hey-ho this is Percy Park and I should expect nothing but drama. The conversion was missed 28 to 23.

Minutes to go and one score in it. Boy did it get frantic. From the restart Scarborough went offside by playing the ball in front. Game Management was the call and from a line out we harried the line moving the ball infield. Last play was called. Securing our ball Charley Miller went to kick the ball onto Preston Avenue. Ragnar extended a huge hand and charged the ball down into no man’s land. Howard Stock won the race. Percy Park wrapped around the ball. Scarborough players went flying aided by a push or two. Scarborough’s 7 went offside. Smith went to the pocket and on the whistle quickly kicked the ball to touch. The Scarborough wing reading his intentions took a punt and nearly, very nearly, caught the ball. Thankfully he didn’t. Game over Park through to the next round….. both teams hugged each other on the final whistle knowing that they had taken part in a cracking game of rugby

Representing Percy Park:

From 15: Toby Davison, Howard Stock, Seb Rees, Ross Young, Jamie Wrigley, Ash Smith and Charley Miller

From 8: Leo Caulfield, Jonny Dubois, Andy Dunn, Michael Langlands, Josh Hedley, Tristan Grant, Dan Shuttleworth and Aaron Smith

Finishers: Paul Spowart, Adam Hay and Lucas Rowell.

Regional 2 North

Percy Park RFC 69 v Consett RUFC 14

Northumberland County Plate Competition

Percy Park RFC Lions 3 v Whitley Bay Rockcliff 35

Park go 11 to 2 with Consett as the Lions falter against Rock

Consett travelled to Preston Avenue resigned yet hopeful of putting in a performance that could at least offer a contest. Injuries and unavailability saw a mixed side of first team, vets and age-appropriate colts take the field against our black and whites, for what was the last league game of the season. The game had more import for the Durham side who, in reality, needed to complete the fixture to ensure level 6 survival. For Percy Park it was all about preparation for the forthcoming National ‘Papa John’s’ North Plate campaign. The result of the game did not affect much and it appeared as if our players were well aware of that. It was only a Jonny Dubois melt down with his team mates on the subject of effort that pricked pride and got our side off their backsides. Once they got into their stride Consett were blown away. Didn’t stop the away from trying. Consett kept going right to the end. There was only one winner in this contest and in truth it was always about the butchers bill and that ended up being a very bruising eleven tries to two.

Our Lions guests for the day were our nearest and dearest from Whitley Bay. A mis match in the Northumberland County Plate competition that saw Rockcliff’s 1^st XV pitted against our seconds. In any local derby , irrespective of level, the result is never a given. And so it proved, all the way to the final ten minutes of the contest when Rockcliff were able to draw away with two unanswered tries. I am told the game was a lot closer than the scoreline suggested. More on that later.

Having been given the hair dryer treatment, along with a liberal use of the French word ‘merde’, Park produced a great exhibition of running rugby. A flourish that Mark Sanderson took credit for. Mark believing that his pre-game roll of the turf had our backs on firm ground perfect for running rugby. And; that their performance was further aided by the introduction of his ‘go faster’ stripes. Hard to argue as the first score of the afternoon came from a cross kick delivered by full back Toby Davison. The kick collected by Captain Seb Rees motoring along a wide even stripe of grass. Shame for Consett because they had started brightly and had Park camped in their ‘22’ for a while.

Following the score park were awful. Balls dropped, passes missed and opportunities kicked away. No wonder Jonny Dubois had a meltdown. Fortunately our next score was fantastic and following we got into our rhythm. Although Howard Stock was the recipient of the try Percy Park threw the ball along the backline with real pace finding hooker Dan Shuttleworth on the wing. Howard Stock came on the shoulder and a dip and move left the Consett full back for dead. Superb. Try converted Percy Park ahead by 14.

The tries kept coming. Seb Rees was playing the game at full throttle. Injury concerns left behind he was cruising and just as well. With the very pacy Ross Young next to him he had to be on his mettle. Following a sustained period of Consett pressure Ross Young broke out. Several hand offs and a flip pass under his arm had Seb Rees hugging the touchline. Pace took him away from the cover. Try converted 21 to nil. What Ross could do Josh Hedley could do better. Park were at it. Josh Hedley powered through and delivered a sublime pass that many did not see. The pass was that quick, Leo Caulfield over the line in a blink. Unfortunately, the conversion was missed.

Percy Park switched off. Consett began to enjoy some possession. Their 7 was a total nightmare for our defence. A really good player and he got some reward for his efforts as we were rucked off the ball before a ‘pick up’ and score. Try converted. Park failed to get a hold of the ball that was, according to our esteemed club secretary, bouncing around like the ‘Grimsby Bouncing Bean’. An observation knowingly accepted by many of the watching faithful. A game fondly remembered for the wrong reasons.

Consett took advantage of Park’s inability to play to hand. Their veteran right wing making a beeline for our try line. Age caught up and as he was about to score the hamstring went. A golden moment was lost. Fortunately, the player wasn’t too badly injured. With the back moves not quite coming off Percy Park went to the maul and immediately benefitted with Dan Shuttleworth adding the points. The conversion was missed. 31 to 7 at half time.

During the interval Percy Park introduced James Towell for his first team debut. A moment that had his dad Adam grinning like a ‘Cheshire cat’. James joining many who have followed their fathers onto Preston Avenue field to wear the black and white

Percy Park were out of the blocks with Leo Caulfield producing a basketball style pass in one hand to the supporting Jonny Dubois. Audacious but clever. Try converted. Leo was at it again as he walked a ball at the back of the drive over the line. On this occasion James Towell converted. 45 points to 7 and Park were cruising.

Frustration crept into the Consett game with their fly half sent to the bin for a high tackle. The card seemed to galvanise Consett with ‘the seven’ making sure we hadn’t forgotten him. Straight through the middle of a ruck leaving coach Ash Smith heading the wrong way. And straight through the middle of our posts. A very good individual try which brought a deserved round of applause from the home support. Score converted 45-14

A trademark lightening run from Seb Rees and a further score from Dubois had Percy Park chasing ten tries. Park created space and had the overload when Josh Hedley booted the ball away. A powerful kick had the ball sailing toward West Dene Estate. The ball moving with a canny swerve to the right. Having made the kick a hush echoed around the hallowed ground before his team mates erupted in ire and anger. Not pleased a deputation made their way to the author fixated on the thought ‘You better give him some grief for that mind’. To settle frayed nerves “Josh you are now being given some grief….so don’t kick the ball away like Leo!”. Has to be said... Jobba thought it was a good kick!! Making amends Josh used that gigantic frame to stretch a mitt, with ball in hand, over the line to score the tenth try.

Ross Young surprised as he stopped in full swing to await the arrival of a covering player to pass inside to the supporting Ash Smith. Smith taking the ground to score the final try of the game unopposed. An intelligent play that brought the game to a close at 69 points to 14.

Representing Percy Park RFC:

From 15: Toby Davison, Jamie Wrigley, Seb Rees, Ross Young, Howard Stock, Ash Smith and Charley Miller

From 8: Leo Caulfield, Jonny Dubois, Andy Dunn, Chris Reekie, Josh Hedley, Sam Digman, Dan Shuttleworth and Aaron Smith

Finishers:

Michael Langlands, James Towell and Paul Spowart.

Whilst the first team were having a fairly easy ride the Lions were hard at it.

The Lions put on a sterling performance on Saturday representing the club in the senior plate. It was great to see some returning players particularly Marc Cooke and Alex Lamb who came in and bolstered our front row and caused Whitley Bay Rockcliff (WBR) all sorts of problems in the scrum.

As usual there was little consistency with Lions selection due to availability, whilst we fielded a group of talented individuals, they lacked the cohesiveness of WBR who were well drilled in every department.

The first half was a close affair, the Lions spent the first 15 minutes defending their 22 but held out and eventually started to gain territory. However, we just could not cope with the WBR line out. They hit their 6 with precision every time and managed to disrupt our line as a matter of course.

This led to both their first half tries which came from first phase scores with the throw to the back quickly being released to their back line.

The Lions won a series of kickable penalties, the first was converted by Drew Walker bringing us within touching distance at 3-14 but we then inexplicably chose not to attempt a further two opting for touch and then losing the lineouts.

The second half was very much the same , we matched WBR in the loose and the scrum but they simply had more ball to play with causing our tackle count to rise. Eventually we ran out of steam, the impressive Cooke came off after a great shift , the last ten minutes WBR added a further two tries which didn't really represent the nature of the game but fair play to them .

A valiant effort and we now look forward to meeting Morpeth in the next round of the competition.

Many thanks to Kenmore Ceilings for your continued support. Always a pleasure and always a great laugh.