A moment gives Penrith the game
- Keith Atkinson
- Category: 1st XV Reports 22/23
- Hits: 1299
Regional 2 North
Percy Park RFC 15 v Penrith RFC 31
A moment gives Penrith the game
As the game kicked off our esteemed camera man mentioned ‘’ A wet one’’ and he wasn’t referring to an antibacterial wipe or a flushable Cottontelle cloth for those sensitive types amongst us; what he was referring to was the persistent drizzle and cloud that engulfed Preston Avenue creating a slippery liquid infused porous surface. And in the doing engendered difficult playing conditions to promote a game of free flowing rugby. And it is testament to both sides that they produced an enthralling contest for the observer. On the day Percy Park were beaten by the better side and can have no complaints about the result. Not that they played badly, they didn’t, it came down to the fact that we are competing at a higher standard and what came easy last year isn’t going to be the case this season. We need to adapt.
Supported by a large crowd brought together for a 150th celebratory lunch Percy Park took to the hallowed ground repleasant in their new ‘North Shore’ branded kit with team sponsor Toby Davison prowling the full back berth. A two minute silence preceded kick off to recognise the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth ll. A moment taken by many to reflect on an extraordinary life and a remarkable monarch. Big boots for Charlie to fill. Fortunately he wasn’t around to nick my pen so at least I could pen some notes. Poor William wasn’t as lucky as he had to borrow one to sign the proclamation. If I was William I think I would be taking an inventory of all the goods at Buck palace!
It took 6 minutes for the home side to open the scoring. It was evident from the off that Percy Park’s front five had the edge over their Cumbrian rivals. The early pressure was all Park and when the Penrith ‘9’ was caught offside the black and white went for the top right corner. An assured lineout from hooker Dan Shuttleworth was taken by Jake Smith. With the ball brought to the back and safely into the hands of the Park hooker, Percy Park drove Penrith over the line. Dan Shuttleworth happily lying on top of the ball. The try was unconverted. 5-0 to the Tynesiders. A good start.
Securing the ball from the restart Penrith looked to attack both side and 12 channel. Following several phases the Penrith full back migrated over the field to create the overload. Matched against a Park prop, a neat step saw him scythe through the defensive line. Leaving our defensive winger grasping air. A ‘one on one’ pass made inside went onto the knee of a chasing Park player. The ball skittling forward across the slippery turf evading all hands before being launched into touch out of the back of the home side’s line. In that moment Penrith’s back division laid down a statement of real ability. The resulting 5 metre scrum was taken against the head further demonstrating Park’s advantage upfront. Was one going to cancel out the other? You had a feeling it was going to be close. The game going to the ‘nip and tuck’.
A series of Park errors allowed Penrith to camp in their half. Penrith’s inability to score was, in part, down to their failure to secure any meaningful possession from the set piece. Robust defensive work from the home side frustrated. When Park did break out some poor work at the back of the ruck saw the ball returned with gusto. On one occasion wing Ross Young doing very well to tidy up. Dropped high balls bounced out of hands. The weather was playing its part. The set piece went to Park but the game stayed in the middle.
From a promising attack the ball went to the knock on and an almighty Cumbrian boot put the ball just outside our 22. The kicker close to claiming the throw. An overthrow from Park put the home side under considerable pressure. Josh Hedley almost separated his rushing opponent in two, rewarding his side with a knock-on. The resulting exit was returned and Park remained under the cosh. Penrith were gradually edging the contest and it appeared to the home support that Penrith were close to scoring and opening their account. The fact that it didn’t take place until the 36th minute and whilst Percy Park were reduced to 14 ,following a call on a tackle made by centre Thomas Moore, spoke volumes for the seasiders defensive organization. Jake Smith and Jonny Dubois were putting in some big hits. Matty Atkinson held up one over the line. It was all ‘in the trenches’ stuff.
Yet it was a try that could have been avoided. Seb Reece broke out. The player was brought to his knees, stood up and was penalised for double movement. Penrith took advantage of a quick penalty exploiting numbers and gaps, eventually rolling over the line in between the posts. An easy conversion followed by the half time whistle.
A tough blow for the home side.
On the half Mark Cook replaced Aaron Smith in the front row and immediately put in a stomping hit. A big kick downfield from Toby Davison cleared the restart gather. The ball was returned with an ‘up and under’. Two Park players went for the ball. The player running onto the ball was about to make the catch when he was levelled by his compatriot running full tilt from the side. An argument ensued in which sharp words could be heard from the sidelines. It was very apparent that neither player was wishing the other well. Not a good start. Despite best efforts the ball remained in Percy Park’s half until Andrew Walker created the ‘kick and chase’. The greasy surface favouring the attacking player as the Penrith full back failed to control the ball. A bit of football saw the contested rubber bounce into touch for a Penrith throw deep in the 22.
The throw was a poor one. The overthrow taken at the back by Matty Atkinson and quickly placed in the hands of Jonny Dubois. A strong run saw the ball recycled to Ross Young. Penrith held high and stripped the ball. Ash Smith gathered the exit and sped into and through the defence. Michael Langlands was on hand and carried the ball forward. Park were behind the defensive line causing Penrith some concern. The covering tackle from the opposite wing was good but the pass had gone. Just before the pass was received by a welcoming Park player the ball cannoned off the other covering winger. Park gathered the loose ball going with the scrum advantage. Although that advantage went it was all Percy Park. The home crowd moving, swaying with every run and bracing for every hit. It was enthralling stuff. The rain ceased and the crowd flowed to the railings encouraging their team forward. Only a ginormous nudge kept the home side out. Sadly the kick gave the ball to the away side. It was some effort and we were unable to clear our lines, landing a ball into the arms of Penrith’s attacking wing. Assisted by his scrum half, who blocked an attempted tackle, the player strode through several other attempts to score under the posts. A great run full of pace and power but the score shouldn’t have stood or have been made. Conversion taken 5 to 14. Harsh. From a good period we found ourselves 9 points down and needed a response.
Robin Houghton came on at scrum half and gave the ball to the forwards who trundled up field. We made good ground. Penrith tackled beyond the gain line and were penalised for being offside. The penalty in front of the posts. Duly taken. 8 points to 14 and the good response was had.
The game went to the nip and tuck. Josh Hedley was having a strong game. You knew that it would take a moment to break the contest and that moment came from Penrith. Park were found momentarily short on the stand side. Players were pulled over. Penrith backs found the Park front row and took the weaker shoulder, breaking through and avoiding a flailing arm. The cover was there but that moment had arrived. The player in possession took a quick look and made an audacious pass over his right shoulder to the supporting player. That player had ground to make. A race to the line was won by the Cumbrian before the tackle could be made. A good score and a great try warmly applauded by the home support. Conversion taken 8 points to 21.
Paul Spowart entered the fray at open side .The pack reshuffling. Percy Park went on the offensive, attempting to claw back points. That was until we were undone by a held ball, a dummy runner hiding another who picked up the offered ball. The collector disappearing through the line to score under the posts. A move straight off the training field. Penrith had points distance and celebrated with real noise and a team huddle. It was that kind of contest. Close and hard fought. Penrith were in the driving seat. We needed tries and we were running out of time.
Percy Park went back to the offensive with Robin Houghton and Ash Smith marshalling the forwards onwards. Paul Spowart giving the team a bit of pace. Actually I wasn’t totally sure where he was playing. But it was effective. Our forwards were carrying well and retaining the ball at the ruck.
The ‘pick and go’ took us to the try line. Penrith were reeling. We continued to punch forward with Matty Atkinson scoring the well-earned try by sniping over the line from close range. A minor suspicion of a double movement. Try given and converted. 15 to 28. We needed hands on the ball and the next score. Penrith achieved both as Park held on and were penalised in front of the posts. Penalty taken 15 to 31. Full time whistle blown.
No complaints about the result. On the day Penrith were that bit better. Having said the rematch will be well worth watching.
Representing Percy Park RFC:
From 15: Toby Davison, Andrew Walker, Seb Reece, Thomas Moore, Ross Young, Ash Smith and Tom Robinson
From 8: Michael Langlands, Jake Smith, Jonny Dubois, Josh Hedley, Marc Barry, Matty Atkinson, Dan Shuttleworth and Aaron Smith
Finishers: Mark Cook, Robin Houghton and Paul Spowart.
