Durham and Northumberland 1

Novos RFC 12 v Percy Park RFC 66

Novos caught frozen in the eye of a storm

Unexpected sunlight and warmth adorned Sutherland Park as Percy Park players and supporters arrived in such numbers that it appeared as if the team from the coast were the home side. Storm Dudley and Eunice had passed and as Storm Franklin graced the horizon Novos were caught frozen in the eye as Percy Park subjected the home side to a tempest of their own. Twelve tries with a twenty five percent conversion rate (a low sun as you kicked towards the Civil Service end of the ground was causing real problems for the kicker) and a forward pack that shoved their opposite numbers all over the park showcased the away side’s dominance. And it pains me to say (we have many great friends at Novo’s) this was not a great game. The faithful loved the try rate and there were some fantastic tries but there was little opposition and at the whistle you could see that the home side were in two minds whether to go upstairs to the bar or just go home. Yet the game started with so much promise for the Newcastle side.

Novos started the better of the two sides and for the first ten minutes the game was even. The first score game from poor positional play from the away side and some equally poor attempted tap tackles as the Novo’s open side seemed to glide through a non-existent defence. Percy Park were guilty of some daft passes and even dafter penalties, giving away five in as many minutes. Fortunately we gave ourselves a shake and the rest was one way traffic.

First score for the ‘black and whites’ came from the hands of scrum half Tom Robinson. A Jonny Dubois break created the space. Try was converted. 7 all.

Next up wing Kieran Sutherland, who scored a great individual try that had power and strength, as he swatted away any half decent attempted tackle. The side step count got to four but I am told it was six…maybe the truth is half way in-between.

Captain Seb Reece was in the thick of the action and as Tom Robinson went for the gap Seb went poaching. The conversion was missed 7 -17 the score. Reece was at it again as three offloads and another six side steps (really...I doubt it but that was the call from the balcony!) allowed the Captain his second try of the game. Again the conversion was missed. The low sun sitting on the scoring end crossbar was playing havoc with the sight line.

At this point the forwards wanted their ‘time in the sun’. Andrew Clyde broke supported by Matty Atkinson before the ball was delivered to wing Ross Young.

Ross is a great finisher and he didn’t need an invite. Ball in hand he disappeared from the Novos defence. On this occasion Ash Smith was unlucky with the strike as the kick and ‘hope it’s gone in the right direction’ bounced off the post. 7 to 27.

Novos 9 was getting frustrated and as he changed position to obstruct another dash to his try line, Ash Smith sent the resulting penalty along the line. A quick and accurate pass from Andrew Walker put in the supporting Kieran Sutherland.

Paul Spowart stepped up to have a punt at the sun obscured posts. Spowart got a good strike but the ball bounced off the cross bar and the posts received an angry response from the player that included the words “I canna see”.

7 to 32 at half time.

The second half was more of the same. The Novos scrum was humped halfway down the pitch. Supporters from both sides thought Park were going to walk it under the posts. With a penalty award the ball went down the line to Ross Young before Paul Spowart put the gloss on the move. The kick was missed. A few changes in personnel didn’t stop the scoring rate as Tom Robinson went off the back of the scrum for Ross Young to score another try.

Even when the referee awarded two yellow cards to Park, one for a no arms tackle and another for collapsing the scrum and we found ourselves down by two, Percy Park still managed to score a further two tries. Ross Young with a break all the way down the field to score. The second from the restart as Jonny Dubois caught the ball and disappeared into the Novos half offloading to Leo Caulfield to score.

Both tries were converted. The first was worth a mention. As we hadn’t had much conversion success Paul Spowart set up in front of the faithful to an expectant hush. A bit like a golfer at the Ryder Cup on a shot to the eighteenth green. As Paul struck the ball with an exaggerated swing it looked good. The comments from the side were encouraging as the ball set away in the direction of the posts. All we were missing was an American shouting “Get in the hole”. As the ball sailed over Paul got a cheer and we got a grin! Both converted 7 to 56.

Back to 14 and we scored again and as the author went to record the moment the old pen ran out sending Mr Lockey to his car for another. Thankyou Alan.

As Percy Park went through the hands an over confident pass allowed an intercept and Novos clawed one back.

Novos were taking a few injuries and their Captain for the day Dan ‘Fish’ Shuttleworth had a go at fly half. He did more than okay. Unlike our player coach, who having decided to have a go at blind side, at the scrum managed to bounce the ball forward to the opposition through a mis-placed foot or shin. Although it has to be said he wasn’t the one who having received a yellow card put his training top on back to front. You would have thought someone in the player’s life would have told him how to dress!

Not content with a finish there Percy Park scored another when Andrew Walker lofted a cross kick into space for Seb Reece to poach another. The game finished at 12 points to 66 with a delighted Seb Reece enjoying that his side had played ‘fast across 15 which was great to see’.

The five points won proved valuable as title rivals Northern lost to Westoe. The South Shields side winning the game with a penalty kick at the death. Next week its Horden and Peterlee away. If you are travelling this will be a 2:15 KO.

Representing Percy Park RFC:

From 15; Paul Spowart, Kieran Sutherland, Seb Reece, Ash Smith, Ross Young, Andrew Walker and Tom Robinson.

From 8; Michael Langlands, Leo Caulfield, Jonny Dubois, Sam Digman, Andrew Clyde Marc Cook, Adam Hay and Matty Atkinson

Finishers: Karl Thompson, Joe Cassidy and Ollie Stephenson.

Durham and Northumberland 1

Percy Park RFC 32 v Stockton RFC 0

Lancelot of the line defends decisions as Park go to the wire

Stockton arrived at Preston Avenue with a determination to return to Teeside with points. As their team trudged off the turf and made their journey home, they must have wondered how they came away with a zero. The game was close and went from end to end, a proper game and at the final whistle the faithful would not have begrudged the away side two losing points. At least a score on the board. To achieve neither showcased the ability within an evolving Percy Park side who were resolute in defence, strong in attack (when the move came off!), ruthless in the finish and tenacious in chasing the five-point bonus win. A tenacity that was rewarded with the final play of the day.

The fixture attracted a number of spectators new to the game and an amusing yet pertinent question was asked in this confusing woke world we live in. The question was posed as Northumberland Society referee Rebecca Rees took to the field to adjudicate the fray….” If the ref is a woman do you still call her sir? If so, what happens if the referee identifies with being non binary?” In the asking I directed the asker to our former Captain and current player Michael Langlands in the knowledge that the enquirer would receive a sensible answer!

Lock Josh Hedley started the contest with an almighty clatter on the unfortunate Scott Powell, who had to take to Stockton’s technical area to get his breath back. The tone of the game was set. The hits and tackles were fierce yet it was Stockton who were first to break the stranglehold with a lightening attack toward the West Dene end that nearly resulted in the opening score. Tom Robinson providing the all important try saving tackle in the corner.

Percy Park were fast with the ball and using their pace across the pitch with great effect. Jonny Dubois made a break in the middle. Well supported by the Park forwards, the pack muscled their way to the Stockton line. As the momentum went over the try line Adam Hay was unlucky to be called ‘held up’.

The resulting kick from behind the posts kept the pressure on the away defence. Good combination between Matty Atkinson and Adam Hay caught the Stockton ‘4’ offside. With advantage being played centre Ash Smith lofted a cross kick that was not held. Percy Park returned to the penalty and Smith accepted the points. 3-0 on 13 minutes.

The game was close and entertaining. Percy Park lost a bit of momentum as they seemed determined to run backs move that wasn’t quite coming off. Frustrating for the spectator and drew the comment “All of the sudden the Fujian sevens team has taken to the pitch” to which a quick riposte was heard in broad Tyneside vernacular “Aye without the same f(blank)g result”. Frustrating as it was the home side were moving forward. A well taken line out had the Black and Whites mauling to the line and were unlucky to be held up for a second time. A little ‘argy bargey and after’s’ showed the commitment from both sides. The try was coming. Percy Park were on top.

With Stockton unable to get out their 22, Josh Hedley caught the carrier and with Stockton penalised Hedley went to the tap and drove to the line. Although stopped Park returned to the penalty and decided on the scrum. A pick up at 8 had Michael Langlands on the arc and as the ball was recycled Stockton ran out of the defenders allowing Captain Seb Reece to pick the gap to score. Ruthless stuff. With the try converted 10 nil

Percy Park were unable to make further progress. Their line out work stuttered and the game went to the scrum where both sides were evenly matched. The game went to bulldozing runs and good defence. Park lost Andrew Steinberg to injury to be replaced by Sam Digman. The home side had to defend a 5-metre scrum. Great defence kept Stockton at bay. The resulting kick didn’t make the line and the whistle blew. Mistake made and accepted. Unfortunately, visiting Statler and Waldorf had a lot to say before Lancelot of the Line gallantly defended the referee’s mistake. On with the game and into the half at 10 points to nil.

At the start wing Ross Young was unlucky not to score as he was bundled into touch following Paul Spowart joining the line from full back creating the overlap.The game went as the first with solid defence strong forward runs and big tackles.

Stockton offended and Percy Park elected the scrum. A strong set was awarded with a penalty as Stockton folded across the front row. On this occasion Smith elected to take the points. 13-0

Stockton came back with some aplomb enjoying their moment in the game. Park held but the game was becoming physical. Ash Smith was penalised for not releasing in the tackle. With a fairly easy kick at goal Stockton should have registered their first points. The kick was scuffed and missed. Still the away side kept the pressure.

The home side needed to change it up and the introduction of Robin Houghton at scrum half and Karl Thompson at lock certainly did that. Relishing the physicality, the scrum half took the game back to the away side. The pendulum swung. Breaking from their half Tom Robinson put in the pass of the day flipping the ball to Ross Young. Excited the wing ate the space in front. A covering tackle brought the run to an end.

Houghton was there and the ball moved to the middle where Matty Atkinson broke the line and sprinted into the 22.

Park moved the ball with great effect with Josh Hedley making his presence felt. The ball eventually ending in the grateful hands of Seb Reece who burned the defence to score toward the corner brushing off the covering tackles. The shout came up ‘Awesome boys’…good shout this was superb team try.

The conversion was difficult and bounced off the bar and onto the wrong side for the home team.18 nil

Stockton pressed but couldn’t breach the home defence. They made brave decisions to get back in the game spurning kickable penalties for line outs. One such moment had a Leo Caulfield break brought to the ground by a despairing tap tackle

yet Park kept the ball moving with Tom Robinson joining the line from full back exploiting the broken defence to score under the posts. Conversion taken.25 nil

The game was beginning to go to the wire and Park were chasing the bonus points. Strong forward runs and bullet passes were running Stockton ragged and as they tired Percy Park breached the line almost on the whistle. Josh Hedley (who enjoyed a great game) entered and broke the line on the arc.

Ross Young hunting the ball received the offload and was under the posts.

Great skill from both players. Conversion taken 32-0…whistle blown Stockton looked dejected and Park were jubilant. Mind you our Club President was convinced by those around that the scoring of the try was going to the ’video ref’ before being given…. Surely it must have been the Bacardi???

Five well deserved points to the home side. They worked the game out and found away to get the points to keep the pressure on Northern RFC who remain top of the league.

Representing Percy Park:

From 8: Michael Langlands, Leo Caulfield, Jonny Dubois, Josh Hedley, Andrew Clyde, Andrew Steinberg, Adam Hay and Matty Atkinson.

From 15: Paul Spowart, Howard Stock,Seb Reece, Ash Smith,Ross Young, Andrew Walker and Tom Robinson.

Finishers: Robin Houghton, Karl Thompson and Sam Digman

 

Durham and Northumberland 1

Acklam RUFC 7 v Percy Park RFC 57

Its Grim on Teeside

A recurring theme of the saying "It's Grim up North” describes drab greyness, representing the dreary, overcast skies of the "grim" North. The southern remark resonated as the Faithful stood on the terraces of Acklam Rugby Club in rain, hail, sleet and bluster looking North across the brutalist architecture of industrial Teeside. As the collars came up and the hat was pulled down that extra inch, the combating teams took the field at Talbot Park in conditions that were as brutal as the landscape. Supporters were quick to huddle against the stout walls of the impressive Acklam Clubhouse as the home team kicked into the wind. It was not long before players had hands tucked under armpits to keep warm and the referee had to blow several times to be heard. The fact that both teams served up a good game to watch was a credit to both sides irrespective of the result. All the score line did was to emphasise respective league positions.

It took Percy Park 8 minutes to make the first score…a period where the away side playing with the wind realised that they could not play the long pass with the elements. The receiving player needed ‘Gadget (extended)’ hands to catch the ball. Keeping the ball close in hand Matty Atkinson drew in the defence with a carry before offloading to wing Ross Young. The accomplished winger was eager all game in hunting the ball. His off load put in Tom Robinson who finished off the move with some aplomb. The conversion was well taken. 7-0 to Park

Acklam found the passing game easier into the wind and moved Park around the pitch. Good defensive sets from the away side ensured that Acklam received little territorial reward. On the 15 Seb Reece joined the line to finish a patient move that involved a number of Park players retaining the ball before Tom Robinson unleased the trigger pass. The move was good but not as impressive as the conversion. Taken from far right of the posts and kicking across the same Ash Smith launched a low ball with the wind in between the uprights. An argument could be made for his best conversion this season. The kick brought many an acknowledgement from both home and away support. 14 nil

Shortly after Thomas Moore added to the score. Matty Atkinson carried giving the tip pass to Adam Hay on his right shoulder. The hooker took the space offered and carried well into Acklam land before off-loading to Thomas Moore. Conversion taken. 21-0. Simple but effective rugby.

Twenty (or so) minutes in and Percy Park had their fourth try of the game. A well taken line out took Leo Caulfield to the line. Robust defence momentarily held Park up before second row Andrew Clyde added muscle to the rear of the maul to shove all and sundry over the Acklam try line. Leo Caulfield emerging with the ball under a press of bodies complete with that Caulfield grin! The conversion cannoned off the post.26-0

As the game progressed hands became colder and a few balls were dropped and knocked on. Not suprising. The game went to the scrum. After the first two Park got the advantage and retained throughout the game.

Ash Smith was playing with his head up and used the kick to move the Acklam full back around the field. The tactic caused panic and the resulting kick chase enabled Park to catch the player in possession. That astute kicking game played dividends when a chip over the rushing defence had centre Ollie Stephenson running through the line to ‘descend’ on the ball to score. 33-0

As the game went to the half Michael Langlands made a good break before being snipered and needing the soothing hands of our physio. As the player returned to his feet ‘our’ Caroline informed all that the player was more than okay with a well-timed one liner that mentioned ‘Langas’ and ‘old’ in the same breath much to the amusement of the travelling support.

33 Nil at the half and Park playing into the wind, sleet, rain and other bits at the turn.

Changes made at half time as Percy Park ran the bench with the introduction of Andrew Steinberg, Andrew Walker and Paul Spowart. Mind Coach Dean Harrison would have been keen to get rid of him as ‘Spow’ had been bleeding his ears all the way through the first half.

From the off Percy Park were camped in Acklam’s half and in that much control that seagulls and other varieties of birds took up root in the away end.

A clatter from Andrew Clyde had an Acklam forward on the deck for a while before he, rather shakily, took back to his feet to continue. The delay in the game had all discussing the merits of Mr Clyde’s occupation that had him employed as a dentist, orthodontist, and a pharmacist all of which might have assisted the prone Acklam player…we were all wrong as he sells hips !..And luckily the home side player didn’t need one of those! The conversation passed over several minutes as we waited for something to happen. Fortunately Ollie Stephenson came to the rescue with a well-timed try following a dominant scrum. The conversion was missed 38 nil.

What followed was a short purple patch from Acklam as a very good defensive kick turned the Park defence. From the restart a high tackle from Stephenson allowed the Acklam’s forwards some momentum toward our try line. With some defenders static Acklam forced the ball over and took the points from the conversion.7-38.

Frustration crept into Acklam’s game and a rather crude ‘timbre’ on the outstretched leg of Andrew Steinberg went unpunished but caused a kafuffle that necessitated referee involvement. Park gave the perfect response to the unnecessary ‘faute’ when first Ross and then Captain Seb Reece scored in quick succession. Both tries being rewarded with the conversions. 7 points to 52.

Percy Park were well in the ascendency and only a deliberate knock on in the midfield prevented Park from scoring. Yellow card to Acklam. Only some resolute defending from the home side kept Park at bay however another yellow card for dissent didn’t help matters. Punishment came from another dominant set piece and a pass along the line to the advancing Seb Reece. The conversion was missed and the game ended at 7 points to 57, but not before Marc Cook put in an enormous hit on a home player knocking him several yards back with an almighty thump and in the saying that thump summed up their day.

Final score 7 points to 57 and five points in the bag…in truth a very good score in atrocious playing conditions. If anyone experienced playing away at Consett on the top of their hill in mid-winter you will immediately understand the use of the word atrocious and have some empathy!

Representing Percy Park RFC

From 15: Seb Reece, Howard Stock (capt), Tom Moore, Ollie Stephenson, Ross Young, Ash Smith and Tom Robinson

From 1: Matty Atkinson, Adam Hay, Marc Cook, Andrew Clyde, Sam Digman, Jonny Dubois, Leo Caulfield and Michael Langlands

Finishers: Andrew Steinberg, Andrew Walker and Paul Spowart.

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