Category: 1st XV Reports 21/22
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Durham and Northumberland 1

Percy Park RFC 69 v Sunderland RFC 15

Ross, Reece and Stock avoid the jug

Steven Turner gets away v Sunderland at home

From the kick off Percy Park were out of the blocks so ‘fast and furious’ that the spectator was left conjuring up images of an illegal and unfair street race. Where Park were driving the Nissan R34 Sunderland were caught at the grid behind the wheel of Del Boys Reliant Robin. Eleven tries to two. In all honesty it could have been and should have been many more. Percy Park wing Ross Young had an afternoon to enjoy seeing plenty of ball in hand. He scored two sumptuous tries yet managed to trip, fall, slip, stumble and tumble to avoid scoring a third and in the doing buy that ‘jug’ for his team mates. How did he manage to do that? Well I guess we should ask Ross or our fly half Paul Spowart who definitely had a vocal opinion on that one subject. Then there was Howard Stock and Seb Reece....I reckon they had a little chat counted their pennies and decided that Club President Albi Durhin was better minted and conspired to pass the ball on!!

Sunderland took the kick and gave possession to the home side who proceeded to throw the ball to the left. League Debutante Tom Robinson ignited the octane fuel and was over in the corner. If you blinked you missed it. From the restart we almost did it again. Sunderland were reeling and never recovered. Jake Smith was next up followed by Howard Stock, assisted by a Josh Hedley rip that had his opposite player dangling in the air as he desperately tried to hang on to the ball. With a penalty awarded for and taken by the away side we were at 15-3 in minutes. Unfortunately Paul Spowart hadn’t brought his kicking boots and was unable to add to the scores gained by the home side. 15-3.

Percy Park’s next score was due to a piece of marvelous opportunism by scrum half Stephen Turner. A long throw in by Adam Hay had Leo Caulfield stretching up high. Unable to catch the ball he tapped down to a moving scrum half who flashed through the Sunderland line out and disappeared across the try line with a number of opposition players grasping and clutching air. Ash Smith took over the duty and duly converted 22-3.

Up to this point Percy Park’s defence had been really good. Opposition players taken to ground and a quick reset and away had the Sunderland team, in possession, going backwards. A drop in concentration perhaps gave Sunderland an intercept and for the first time we were under pressure and for the first time we saw that Sunderland had some good players in their back division. Only a great line out steal saw Park regain. Hesitancy at the break down allowed Stephen Turner to be caught in possession and the ball was turned. A strong passage of play saw Sunderland’s right wing enter the line on the left and some really good hands allowed the overload and a score in the corner. Del Boys Robin had been given a turbo. With the conversion missed 22-8.

Percy Park took the opportunity to rejig the personnel with Tom Robinson being given a run at scrum half. It took a little while for Park to respond to the Sunderland score. High pressure defence pushed Sunderland back before Seb Reece managed to get over the ball and force a penalty for holding on. Ash Smith slid a really nice kick into the flag and from the resulting line out on the five, Andy Dunn took advantage of a ball ‘off the top’ before cruising through a non-existent visiting defence. Conversion taken and we were in at the half 29-8.

Forwards Try

Sunderland failed to find touch from behind the posts drop out dropping the ball into a welcoming black and white shirt. The ball was moved to the middle with a joining Ross Young at pace. Young carved a good line and scorching the turf with pace scored under the posts. Conversion made.36-8

Park seemed to lose their concentration. Leo Caulfield was attracting the referee’s attention being penalised on more than one occasion for going in at the side. Where we had the ball we ended up losing it.

A seat belt arm allowed Park back into get back into their rhythm. A long punt from Ash Smith saw Park secure their ball. Great hands allowed a sprightly Steven Turner, gracing the left wing, to creep into the corner. The conversion missed.41-8.

One or two missed opportunities were missed before a really solid scrum got Park away on the front foot. Ash Smith ran a nice line putting Ross Young in for an easy score. Conversion taken. 48-8

Heres looking at you

From the restart Park engineered a 2 v 1 and Howard Stock was able to score his second in the right corner. Maybe Howard would get the jug in.?...plenty of time to find out. A great conversion from Smith.55-8

Another solid scrum provided a platform for Park to attack. Ross Young scorched down his wing…Jug time!!...eh no…counting the loose change in his pocket he elected to pass the ball infield to a supporting Seb Reece. 62-8

Disciplined defensive work and boot from Ollie Stephenson gave the turnover. Again Reece supported and on this occasion found himself in acres of space. Seb simply picked up the ball and trotted over the line. Two for Reece…Jug time? Let’s wait and see….69-8.

Ross Young found himself in great space …you could see him eyeing that line….then a quiet word was whispered from behind…”Albi … Jugs”…and the afterburners appeared to come off .The tackle was made. Seb was put through and from his half the pitch was briefly open…again a quiet word was heard…”Albi … Jugs”…and the ball was not held…Howard was nowhere to be seen…or was he the supporting runner whispering “Albi…Jugs” to his younger team-mates.

In case we had forgot the Sunderland back line gave us a little reminder of their obvious ability. Having endured a torrid afternoon a loose ball was seized and a missed tackle was taken advantage of. A quick interchange brought the right wing deep into Park’s 22. The covering tackle was made but the offload inside was a delight. The supporting runner clapped at the opportunity running the ball under the posts. A well taken try. 69-15

As the game petered out Ross Young got his hands on the ball and passed on to Seb Reece who again heard those words…”Albi Jugs”…and the ball stuck. 69-15 the final score. The boys had avoided the jugs and Club President Durhin begrudgingly made his way to the bar muttering about giving Ross Young ‘Percy the Lion’ and arranging for his Rockcliff counterpart to organise the kidnap...similar to the Wallsend Duke as he wrested that poor stuffed animal from the careful watch of Andy Dunn….we have to ask …did Andy cough up the fine?.. The author promises to find out next week to allay the obvious desire for the reader of this imaginative written piece to know that answer

Percy Park played really well. Their attacking flair excites the neutral and supporter alike. They work as hard off the ball as they do on it…next week its West Hartlepool at home with a 3pm kick off…Can the boys continue their good form…guess you will have to be there to find out!!

Representing Percy Park RFC

From 15…Tom Robinson, Howard Stock, Seb Reece, Ash Smith, Ross Young, Paul Spowart and Steven Turner.

From 8…Leo Caulfield, Jake Smith, Andrew Dunn, Josh Hedley, Sam Digman, Andrew Steinburg, Adam Hay and Matty Atkinson.

Finishers: Marc Cook, Mark Barry and Ollie Stephenson.

Gateshead 2nds 14 v Percy Park Lions 48

Who shot Morsey?

A bruising encounter at Gateshead saw Percy Park come away with five injured players but also five bonus points. Park flew out of the blocks and an impressive run and dummy by Connor Rogerson opened the scoring after a minute. The score converted by Andrew Walker 7-0.

On 12 minutes Gateshead chipped through, Phil Morse spun to chase back but pulled up with an aging hamstring allowing Gateshead to score against the run of play.7-7. A dour struggle then ensued, territory dominated by Park but the spoiling in the loose by the opposition never provided the away team a go forward platform. It was not until 30 minutes into the game that some smart interplay by Park saw skipper Joe Cassidy go over. The points added to by Andrew Walker 14-7.

The spoiling continued, Gateshead infringed again. On this occasion Percy Park elected for goal. The attempt made by Walker 17-7 at the

Some stern words in the camp saw a refreshed Lions team in the second half. The forwards kept it tight, made some front row adjustments and Walker resorted to tactical kicks pinning the home side down in their own 22. The pressured game brought dividends as Connor Rogerson went over again on 48 and then 52 mins both duly converted by Walker 31-7. But Park were taking injuries and were down to 14 necessitating Coach Dean Harrison to enter the fray to make up the numbers. Harrison created an impressive impact on the game. 62 minutes in and he was over the whitewash himself. The kick was missed kick missed. 36-7 to Park.

Gateshead rallied as Park slept and went over themselves for a converted try 36-14. Under the posts Percy Park exchanged some harsh words responding in the best way possible with some great interplay. A passage of play that saw Coach Harrison over for his second on 72 minutes. 41-14 Park.

Despite a spirited performance from the home team Park had their tails up and more good work in the loose saw the impressive Karl Thompson go over. His efforts converted from the touchline by Andrew Walker final score 48-14. 

A physical day on the paddock saw colt Cameron Young and second row Jamie Guthrie pick up injuries. I'm also told that Gateshead Police are still looking for the sniper who short Morsey!    Berwick away next week.

Category: 1st XV Reports 21/22
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Durham and Northumberland 1

Aspatria RUFC 12 v Percy Park RFC 24

"Dangling on the tree of tension"

 

Aspatria 13

 

For the ardent black and white supporter this was a game when you began to realise that we are developing a good side with a great team ethos by travelling to Cumbria with nine changes from the previous weekend. Despite the changes the team and coaching staff brought home a positive result with all playing to a known game plan. As champions of the faith you do feel that we are, perhaps, at the start of something.

Aspatria played direct, hard and through their forward pack and as a consequence Park had to adapt and go to the coal face to grind out a very well deserved victory. This was a game that kept the supporter and neutral on the edge of their seats as they watched the drama unfold. Park kept their discipline, worked the game and found the way to gain four points whilst denying a good side a bonus point.

From the off Percy Park were caught at the breakdown. Scrum half Steven Turner should have got the ball away. Both player and the Percy Park pack were given an introduction to the style and pattern of Aspatria Rugby. Direct. The second indicator came at the scrum. Aspatria easily won the contest pushing the away side back. Percy Park were in no doubt that their opposition were forward orientated, heavy and strong. And that’s where it ended. Lessons learnt. Park adapted, shored up, tightened the binds, made the hard tackles, kept their shape and as a consequence Turner began to find his rhythm.

Aspatria 12

A high tackle saw Michael Langlands depart the field with an obvious concussion to be replaced by Sam Digman. Instead of Park taking the 3 points on offer Ash Smith opted to kick to the right corner for the ‘catch and drive’. A successful ‘catch’ put Park on the Aspatria line. The home side defended well eventually turning the ball over and preventing the score.

Park kept at it and continued to move the ball toward the Aspatria line. The visitors went through the phases. The Aspatria tackle count was high and they were working hard but the penalty eventually came arguably preventing a higher reward. On this occasion Paul Spowart stepped up and opened the scoring with a well taken kick.

Percy Park’s ball retention was good and the back line were seeing a lot of the ball. For the first time Aspatria looked in trouble with their defence scrambled. Park were mobile and were rewarded with another penalty for what appeared to be a high tackle. Paul Spowart came to the tee and added to the score. 6 nil to the visitors.

The game had a bit of spice which came to a minor and comical eruption with Steven Turner attempting to face off with a rather large forward. I think Steven managed to give the Aspatria forward a piece of his mind from about rib height.

The game pulsated from end to end and the crowd were engaged. From a defensive position Park did well at the tackle area to be rewarded with a penalty. A large boot down field gave the ‘black and whites’ an advantage. From the resulting set piece Matty Atkinson and Jake Smith created some space to take the visitors to the home line. A strong clear out from Josh Hedley allowed Sam Digman to cross over. Unfortunatly Percy Park were unable to convert. 11 nil at the half

As we turned around the wind strengthened down the pitch toward the imposing Skiddaw background.

Aspatria started strongly and began to dominate possession and territory. It was backs against the wall stuff yet the home side could not find a way through. The game was not for the faint of heart. Having weathered the Cumbria storm, Park broke free gaining a penalty in kicking range just in front of the half way line. A few old sages adorned in Park colours doubted whether Paul Spowart could make the yards in a freshening breeze. Well our fly half does not lack confidence and a strong kick drifted and struck the post much to the audible relief of the home crowd.

Aspatria were enjoying their moment in the game and Park dug deep with some great tackles stopping the offensive. Ross Young put in one fine effort supported by wing Kiran Sutherland. Debutant Nathan Coxon was also at the fore. It was bruising. When we did capitulate we were the architect of the loss. A mis-thrown pass, a missed tackle and a mis match in defence allowed the Aspatria full back to create a ‘one on one’ before delivering a pass to the supporting winger who managed to go around the covering Park players. Disappointing at our end but well played by the home side. With a failed conversion. 5:11.

Aspatria were in the ascendency. Not that we didn’t have our moments. Paul Spowart had another attempt at goal, although on this occasion the wind defeated him.

The home side took the lead on the hour. A harsh penalty decision was given against the away side after they had cleanly ripped the ball and were off down the pitch. The resulting penalty put Aspatria on the Park 22. Ball secured it was direct muscle rugby straight toward the Park try line with the Aspatria 7 crossing for the score. 12:11

In days gone by we would have panicked here and it has been known to argue amongst ourselves. We have seen it before! In the today we have a different culture a different mind-set and this was the point when that ardent supporter realised that we developing a good team and that was further reinforced in the final ten minutes of the game.

Aspatria 10

From the re start Park carefully worked their way up field creating scoring opportunities. Another ‘no hands high tackle’ left Ross Young on the floor for several worrying minutes. Fortunately Ross got to his feet and the offending home player was dispatched to the box on a yellow card. Park used the additional number and open space to great effect. A penalty kick by Ash Smith took us to the corner. Line out won it was our turn for a bit of muscle putting Leo Caulfield in for the try.12:16.

As the minutes ticked away the drama increased as Aspatria looked to have got a break before being pulled back for crossing. At this point phones and social media outlets were on meltdown in Tyneside with the Percy Park chairman luxuriating in his armchair having one particular combustion! Penalty awarded up strolled Spowart….and wait for it…three points. Actually I think it was the ‘wait for it’ that caused the combustion!! 12.19…crucially 7 points ahead. It was tense and people home and away were dangling on that particular tree. Aspatria were hoping for something. We were hoping to give them nothing!

With the restart gathered Ash Smith took control and moved the visiting team down the right channel retaining possession as the clock worked down. Aspatria made a hash of a breakdown allowing Park forwards to generate momentum for Paul Spowart to shimmy across the line for a try….the conversion was close. 12 .24 to Percy Park

Aspatria 11

It was definitely entertaining and most definitely tense resulting in the Aspatria President bringing out a fine bottle of Laphroaig whiskey to calm shredded nerves.

Many thanks to the Aspatria alikados, players and supporters for their hospitality and welcome…even to the young Aspatria player who, with much hilarity to his friends (and myself) berated me for failing to pick him for the starting Aspatria 15…be warned they serve strong beer over there!!

 

Representing Percy Park

From 15…Ross Young, Kieran Sutherland, Seb Reece, Ash Smith, Nathan Coxon, Paul Spowart and Steven Turner.

From 8…Leo Caulfield, Jake Smith, Michael Langlands, Josh Hedley, Mark Barry, Andrew Steinburg, Adam Hay and Matty Atkinson.

Finishers: Aaron Smith, Sam Digman and Joe Cassidy.

 

Friendly

Percy Park Pumas 74 v Newcastle Ravens 0

Unfortunately there is no match details to hand…at the mo!!

 

 

 

 

Aspatria 10

 

 

Category: 1st XV Reports 21/22
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Durham and Northumberland 1

Percy Park RFC 56 v Ponteland RFC 5

Friendly

Percy Park Lions 61 v Seghill 1st XV 21

 

Plenty of Fizz at the start.

scrum down

 

On the opening game of the 2021/22 season Percy Park laid down a real statement of intent. A return to North One Rugby is key and with plenty of fizz Percy Park went about their business with ruthless flair. The game seemed to lose its gas in the second but the contribution to the lack of bubbles came  from a referee who never would have thought that their first game back after such a long lay off would be as quick and a few senior players who with a wheeze, a gasp, an audible hiss and part croak wished they hadn't consumed as much during lock down. Not only were Percy Park in the main a young fit and agile side so were Ponteland and as a consequence that ball fizzed about the pitch. In the first half the decisions for both sides were near enough there, in the second, well let’s just say there was one or two guesses.....alongside taking of the knee! And as a by-product the spectacle lost a bit of momentum. Having said the result was never effected… although/perhaps the score line was.

Ash Smith kicked the season into launch with a towering boot into the Ponteland 22. A communication mix up caused the knock on and from the scrum Park went wide with pace. The pattern had been set. Tempo was the shout and as the ball went right to left, deft hands gave full back Jamie Wrigley the space to burn the grass and cross for the first score of the day. The try converted by Paul Spowart, who went on to enjoy an impressive afternoon with the boot converting with a 100% record. And on an aside in typical ‘Spow’ fashion he let everybody know… even if you weren’t listening.

A smart break from the back of a line out from scrum half Steven ‘Young Bunsen’ Turner (returning to his home club from Leeds Beckett University) created the momentum for Josh Hedley to touch down. Ponteland sparked into life showing that they too could move the ball at pace and with an edge. Park responded with a kick and a bounce. The ball was being played that quickly that one or two knocks on were creeping into the fray. Following one such occurrence Ash Smith chipped over followed and received a lovely bounce into his arms and from that receive went on to pass to a supporting Leo Caulfield off the back of a maroon shirt. 21 nil Park and it didn’t stop there.

A series of Ponteland mistakes were capitalized on. A forward move shoved Jake Smith over. Strength was followed by finesse as Smith’s try was quickly followed by Jamie Wrigley’s quick feet dancing through the Pont defence.35-0. The score was in the corner and what followed was a cracking conversion out wide by Paul Spowart…and yes he let everybody know about that particular one as well!

Ponteland remained steadfast and were quick. A Josh Hedley mistake in the midfield was quickly seized on and smart hands put the Ponteland wing over in the corner. Albeit the try was not converted, Park were given a sharp lesson…they could not afford to switch off. There followed a ‘purple’ patch from the away side. They were at the game. Perhaps Ponteland relaxed knowing the ‘game was up’ and started to play with a rhythm they knew and believed in. For the first time Park were under pressure and wing Ross Young received the first yellow card of the season. Percy Park held out to the half, minus one boot. 35 to 5 the score plus one Bunsen spat.

The second half commenced with Park a player down. The half collective gathered thoughts and Ponteland never really got out of their half. The time whittled away and Park came back to full strength. And that extra number counted as Park slipped Jake Smith over for a score. From their half Park propelled a lighting attack that had the referee wheezing as he tried to catch up. As Ross Young touched down the ref followed with legs that looked as if they were full of lead. If you have played the game before you know what a strength sapping run that can be. He had our sympathy.

A great scrum from the Park eight pushing Ponteland back enabled another score. Ball taken and Ross Young went at full pelt through the Pont defence before some great support play saw Howard Stock over. In a ‘blink of an eye’ Park went from their half and over the line. Pass Pace Precision. Just don’t mention the other P….that being a piercing owned by Michael Langlands…apparently it’s just a scratch!

Final Score 56 points to 5.

Representing Percy Park:

From 15 Jamie Wrigley, Ross Young, Thomas Moore, Ash Smith, Howard Stock, Paul Spowart and Steven Turner.

From 8…Leo Caulfield, Jake Smith, Andy Dunn, Josh Hedley, Mark Barry, Marc Cook, Adam Hay and Michael Birkett.

Finishers: Matty Atkinson, Robin Houghton and Andrew Clyde.

For the Statisticians and romantics amongst us Robin Houghton was the only player not to have played as a junior at Percy Park.

Friendly

Percy Park Lions 61 v Seghill 1st XV 21

After many months away from rugby the Lions kicked off their season at Preston Avenue and were rewarded with a resounding win over a well-disciplined Seghill 1st XV. Not surprisingly ex Park man and Seghill Coach George Purdy fielded a well drilled team mixing a blend of youth and experience.

From the start the Park pack displayed an eagerness and intensity that caught Seghill on the hop. Close forward play on the line saw Connor Rogerson go over after 2 minutes and Chris the ‘Tank’ Reekie after 8. 14-0.

Percy Park continued to dominate and Jonny ‘Dubes’ Dubois finished off another good forward's passage of play after 17 minutes .As Travis Bowart went over on 20 minutes the Park support thought it was all over .Seghill had different ideas. Some elusive running from their standoff floored the home sides 10, 12 and 13 enabling the Seghill back line to go over for a score. 28-7.

Park responded immediately and went straight back up the other end when Tank got his second try. There followed a complete rerun of the first Seghill try. Their 10 opened Park up again.

35-14 at half time.

The second half followed a similar pattern. Seghill never faltered but four more tries from Percy Park Lions by Nathan Coxon, Reekie again (hat trick), another for Dubois and the best try of the day from skipper Joey Cassidy cemented a solid victory. Hats off to Seghill though ,a last minute  break away  from their stand-off (once more) finished the game with a well-deserved try .

Final score 61-21.

Category: 1st XV Reports 21/22
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First Round Northumberland County Senior Cup

Percy Park RFC 73 v Whitley Bay Rockcliff 21

 

Pace and Precision Excite

 

Birkett photo

 

Under lights on Thursday 26th August 2021 Percy Park kicked off their first game of the season in the first round of the Northumberland County Senior Cup with a dash of flair and sparkle as they dispatched a competitive side from our dear neighbours at Whitley Bay Rockcliff by 73 points to 21.

For all the literary eloquence this game had so much more than the result. The game became a gathering. Supporters from all the local clubs descended on Preston Avenue with an exuberant fervour that owed more to watching a game of ‘real’ rugby and meeting with old friends and team mates than it did the result. It was in this realisation that the effects of Covid -19 were felt. Lock-downs, ‘Hands, face and space’, media driven totalisers, NHS venue check-ins and the fear of the ping were briefly forgotten as we met in the bar, conversed on the touchline or walked the perimeter drawing in the atmosphere of an event we all feared eighteen months ago might never happen. At the whistle we ascended to the bar and stayed there for as long as we could. The chatter was a joy to hear and instead of Covid we talked rugby and the game we had just witnessed. Forget the result this game was competitive throughout…Park were just that bit better and we enjoyed it!

On top Rockcliff home 0821

Familiar faces stretched their legs joined by four new additions to the squad. Percy Park reintroduced Matthew Atkinson into the front row, 10 years after his first team debut as an eighteen year old, returning to Tyneside from London and Belsize Park RFC. Jamie Wrigley came into the back line having returned home from Loughborough University with degree in hand and a successful stint with Loughborough Students. Paul Spowart made a welcome reappearance at his home club looking ‘leaner and meaner’ as he slipped into the number 10 slot and Robin Houghton made a welcome debut at ‘9’ joining the ‘Black and Whites’ from North One West side Northwich RUFC.

The game exploded into life. From the kick off Percy Park were in the corner with wing Ross Young finishing a dynamic and fast move across the pitch creating space for the finish. It didn’t end there. Howard Stock went through the middle and Jamie Wrigley skipped over to complete a quick start at 21 points to nil. It was then that the chatter took a break and an audible sigh from the Rockcliff faithful replaced the converse and it didn’t get any better for them as the Percy Park pack rolled on and notched another for a 28 point lead. With a shrug of the shoulders the chatter resumed.

Despite the sigh the Rockcliff side never dropped away. Their defensive game was aggressive putting in some terrific hits and they soon got their reward from a scrum move. As the away side settled the two teams swopped scores to the half. Joe Cassidy finished a fine individual break and Adam Hay added another for the forwards. Rock responded by taking advantage of a defensive gap and a clever cross kick creating the score.

Six tries to three at the break…42 to 21.

Jake Smith v Rockcliff home 0821

 

At the turn Percy Park strengthened from the bench and ran away with the game. Seb Reece was first over followed by Adam Hay. Although Rockcliff remained tight and aggressive in the forward area they could not live with Park’s ability to pass the ball from 1 to 15 at pace and with precision. Three further tries followed before referee Dave Charlton ended the game a tad early with the score at 73 points to 21.

The result culminated a fine pre-season for Percy Park. Their first outing was against Tynedale Raiders in a game played on the quarter. Percy Park looked good and showcased some exciting young talent that promises much. Names that I will introduce as the season unfurls. Despite losing (overall) by 39 to 33 there was so much promise that the faithful were breathing the word exciting!

Their second blast was a three way hosted by Durham City and featured ourselves alongside Stockton RFC…Middlesbrough were supposed to join but were unable to field a side.

Pak started where they left off defeating Durham City 35-5 with some panache. On this outing you have to worry for Durham City; at level 6 they are going to get ‘munched’… the excitement got too much for one ex Percy Park President who encouraged all about to be ‘upstanding’ for one score that ended with a flourish. With red faces the travelling support gave their former President a little ripple whilst remaining firmly in their seats….after all it was pre-season!!...Stockton did not fare any better against a ruthless Percy Park side losing the game 52-5.

Pre-season and an emphatic cup win has generated some really exciting rugby…and anticipation of a successful campaign…we do have some outstanding players but its league points that really matter and we need to turn that panache and enthusiasm into victories…Percy Park kick off in earnest at Preston Avenue 3pm on Saturday 4th September against Ponteland…if you are ‘Black and White’ you shouldn’t miss it…. I’m sure it will be a cracker!!

Category: Lions Reports 21/22
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Candy Cup Final

Blaydon RFC Georgians 45 v Percy Park RFC Lions 50.

Discarded headband inspires Park triumph 

IMG 5197

I am sure it was the loss of a black bungee headband that riled our Lions side as a Blaydon player cruelly removed the said item from the head of centre Nathan Henderson. The game to that point had been all about Blaydon and Percy Park were playing within themselves. That changed when the bungee came off, as like the Henderson locks, Percy Park got into their flow and played with some real grit, zest and panache. It was exciting to watch and you couldn’t help get drawn into the spectacle and drama that unfolded in front of your eyes. It was a privilege to be there and, if you missed it, you missed a gem of a second half display from a team that showed everything that is great about Percy Park. The only disappointment on the day was giving Blaydon a 26 to 5 point head start!

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Blaydon literally smashed their way to a 14 point lead at the hands of a very large and athletic centre. Things were not going great and we looked disorganized. We held on and made our response on 23 minutes through Nathan Henderson. He still had his bungee in at that point. Park moved the ball through the backs and a series of good off loads gave Nathan the space to work the try. Unfortunately the score wasn’t converted. Blaydon came back and dominated the rest of the half with a try from their second row, following devastating work from their outside centre. Blaydon finished the half with a try from their hooker. Again the play had come from Blaydon’s centre pairing who looked very good. Enough said about that and we moved into the second half trailing by 26 points to 5.

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Coach Tim Walker ran the bench and altered the line up to combat their midfield play. You could put the final result down to astute tactical management but I would prefer to stay with the bungee. As the half resumed Henderson attempted the carry and had his bungee forcibly removed. That was it the hair was out and Park were riled. Andrew Clyde and Eddie Saint led the charge and with a reinvigorated Jonny Dubois we took the fight to the Blaydon line. Sam Leeds (with noted pink socks) made a youthful dart through the melee to score. Try converted. 12 to 26 with 3 minutes played.

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Three minutes later Andrew Walker loitered on the touchline and used his bellowing tones to demand the ball. Received try scored. 17 to 26 and the game looked a whole lot different.

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The game was going to every three minutes. Up popped the Blaydon Hooker to score. 17 to 31. Another 3 minutes and their hooker was at it again, following a very good chip and catch from one of the Blaydon centres. 17 to 38

Following the re-start and you guessed it, 3 minutes after the Blaydon score, Paul Spowart made the tap following a penalty and went. Score made. 22 to 38.

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You might think we have forgotten about Nathan we haven’t! Fortunately for the author a healthy 8 minutes passed in the game before Nathan Henderson benefitted from some good work from our forwards. James Guthrie was playing well. In fact all the forwards were playing well. A forward drive ate up ground and the secure ball was given to Andrew Walker. Walker playing in Henderson across the line. Paul Spowart converting.29 to 38. The half back connection of Steven Turner and Andrew Walker were on point.

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Tension was creeping into the game and there were one or two flare ups. Eventually the referee lost patience and handed Blaydon a yellow card.

With half an hour gone  in the 2nd, Andrew Clyde received a pass off Nathan Henderson to take his bulk over the line to score. 36 points to 38. Then came the try that eventually tipped the balance as Andrew Walker took a 'tap and go' to give young Alex Midgley the ball on the left wing. The player had much to do and with great speed and strength danced and burst through tackles to score. A try reminiscent of his father in his slim playing days!). 43 to 38 and Percy Park had the lead with 5 (or thereabouts) to go.

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Percy Park’s cheers soon went to groans as Blaydon nipped back with a try from their scrum half. With a conversion made 43 to 45. End to end. As the try scorer made his way to his team mates he came out with a great line “Lads you are two minutes away from the biggest two minutes of your life”’…he was right we had 4 minutes to go but I really don’t think that was what he meant…yet he was encouraging his team to stay in the race for that is what the game had come to. A race to the finish line.

With time ebbing away a contentious line out was given to Percy Park. A flurry of spiteful words were flung toward the touch judge in black. The referee was right to stay with his man as the decision was a Percy Park ball; albeit it probably was a Blaydon knock on and a scrum rather than a line out. Either way it was still a Percy Park ball and tensions were running high.

With the line out won Park moved the ball to the right hand corner.

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Keeping possession they dragged Blaydon numbers in, leaving Nathan Henderson room out wide to the left. Barked orders were given and the ball came out. Henderson gathered and beat the covering defense to cross the line. Aware of the narrow score line Henderson took the ball as near as he could to the posts. Much to the joy and excitement of the travelling support and players. The conversion taken. Try converted Park ahead by 50 points to 45.

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The referee called last play and Blaydon took possession, grappled away by Percy Park, who found that last play wasn’t really last play and Blaydon were in our half. (You could have cut the air with a knife…people needed to breathe…it was gripping drama) From the resulting line out the ball eventually ended up in Park hands and this time the ball was dispatched. The referee called time. That was it players were on the pitch, fists were raised in salute and the travelling support breathed as the home team following slumped to the ground with their team. The game meant that much too all who participated in it and this was something the presenting Durham Official commented upon. It was great to see.

With Captain Mark Sanderson’s mits on the small trophy, and following a rip roaring speech, all departed to the clubhouse for two sausages and a portion of chips. Once replete all headed back to the Coast for copious amounts of beer. Somehow the ‘small’ trophy followed refusing to be put back into the cupboard from whence it came.

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 Representing Percy Park RFC

From 8: Liam Walker Jacob Dunsdon,Sam Leeds,Jamie Guthrie,Andrew Clyde, Mark Sanderson, Jonny Dubois and Steven Dryde.

From 15: Ben Anderson, Alex Midgley,Toby Davison, Nathan Henderson, Dan Jackson , Andrew Walker and Steven Turner

Finishers; Eddie Saint,Ollie Ellis, Paul Spowart and Phil Harrison

  1. Tank rolls over Northern
  2. Wrigley manages to fill Walkers boots
  3. Cassidy goes solo to add gloss to the win
  4. BMW return to drive Park forward