Category: 1st XV Reports 23/24
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Saturday 13 April 2024

Birkenhead Park 19 Percy Park 42

Papa John’s Community Cup

Regional 2 Championship (North)

(HT: 7-18)

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Having won the Regional 2 North league title three weeks ago and completed their league fixtures last week at Northern, Park embarked on their National Cup campaign on Saturday with a trip to the Wirral to take on Birkenhead Park who themselves have won the Regional 2 North West league championship. It was our second visit to the Merseyside club in twelve months, having been drawn together in the semi-final of the inaugural Plate competition last year, Park winning 20-42 to reach the final. A tough encounter was expected but, on the day, an exceptional performance from Park saw them win a very entertaining encounter 19-42, scoring seven tries to comprehensively beat the North West champions. After round one, Park sit proudly on top of the Regional 2 Championship (North) table on points difference from Selby who we meet next week at Preston Avenue. Some of our play, both in the backs and the forwards, was excellent and although there were some stand out performances it must be said that every player made their mark, everyone played well.

There were several changes to the Park side from last week’s game at Northern. Up front, in place of the injured Jake Smith, Joe Thompson came into the back row at blindside flanker with captain for the day Jonny Dubois switching to openside. In the backs, Ash Smith and Paul Spowart resumed their centre partnership replacing Ollie Bartles-Smith and Will Ponton, the latter dropping to the replacements bench. Seb Reece switched to the right wing in place of the unavailable Howard Stock with Lucas Rowell coming in on the left. With more replacements available in this competition, Ponton was joined by Aaron Smith, Michael Birkett, Michael Langlands, Eddie Saint and Charlie Miller on the bench.

On the Tuesday before the match, the Upper Park pitch had been under water after torrential rain and great credit must go to the excellent work of the Birkenhead Park ground staff to get the pitch ready in time for the pitch inspection on Friday afternoon. It was heavily sanded and looked decidedly rough in places, but it was more than playable. Conditions were dry, with sunny intervals, very breezy with the threat of rain never too far away.

The hosts kicked off with the wind at their backs and immediately Park showed their intent to play with width but the ball went forward on their own 10 metre line, allowing Birkenhead the scrum. Park appeared to be still on the bus as the home No 8 picked up, crashed through two attempted tackles to feed flanker and captain Sean Mooney who ran in unopposed from the 22 to score to the left of the posts on 3 minutes, Standoff Nick Baldwin kicked the conversion. A great start by the home side (7-0).

From the restart, Park had difficulty in retaining the ball but although the home side had possession, they rarely threatened the visitors 22 but when Birkenhead lost the ball in contact, a long kick from wing Lucas Rowell forced a Park lineout close to the Birkenhead 10 metre line. As the ball moved infield, second row Josh Hedley stormed into the Birkenhead 22 from a breakdown and after Rowell, standoff Fergus Simpson and second row Chris Reekie were held up on the line Park quickly conceded a penalty for not releasing the ball in the tackle after it looked as if they would score from a 5-metre scrum, the home pack under severe pressure.

The next few minutes saw play almost exclusively in home territory but Park were unable to keep the ball for any length of time and they conceded a scrum on halfway when the ball was knocked on after Birkenhead Park kicked to clear their lines. The hosts attempted to play the ball wide but the Park defence was more than equal to the task with the home side unable to get out of their half until Baldwin used the wind to kick an excellent 50/20 giving Birkenhead an excellent attacking opportunity but the attempted catch and drive was easily contained by the visitors, quickly winning the put in at a resulting scrum. As the first quarter ended, Park were beginning to lose their ‘bus legs’ after the long journey from Tyneside and from the scrum began to move the ball with real pace. A breakout at speed saw standoff Fergus Simpson, on a brilliant weaving run, storm into the Birkenhead half and as the ball was moved right, at pace, the move broke down when the final pass went straight into touch. Park now looked full of running and when the home side lost the ball in midfield Park were straight on the attack along the left touchline. Unable to properly clear their lines, Birkenhead eventually strayed offside in front of their posts and up stepped centre Paul Spowart to put our first points on the board on 24 minutes (7-3).

Birkenhead won possession from the restart and when they moved the ball to the right touchline, it looked as if wing Will du Randt would score in the corner, but Seb Reece had other ideas, haring across the field to stop the wing in his tracks with a superb tackle on the try line. A penalty was conceded although it was difficult to see the referee’s signal as to why. The tackle itself was hard but fair, the home players had no complaint even though du Randt was unable to continue, and the referee James Evans made no move to speak to Reece and it may well of been an infringement in follow up play. Birkenhead elected to take the scrum, but it was easily contained with Park quickly regaining possession to move, again, at pace to halfway where they gained a penalty after the home side infringed. Centre Ash Smith was able to take play to midway inside the home sides half with a lineout on the right touchline. As the ball moved left infield, Reece began to move at speed from his wing to take the ball and scythe through the home defence to score just infield from the left touchline on the half hour. Spowart was unable to convert but Park were ahead for the first time in the match (7-8).

The next few minutes saw Park playing with width, moving the ball quickly with fullback Ross Young prominent, but losing the ball at key moments. The under-pressure home side were content, when they did get the ball, to kick long, unable to fashion anything by moving the ball through the hands. After two Park dropouts, the visitors regained possession, moving the ball left and then right and using second rows Hedley and Reekie to smash holes in midfield. Birkenhead were hanging on, but the dam eventually broke when a Young break took play almost up to the Birkenhead 22 before the ball was powered forward through James Black, captain Jonny Dubois and Chris Reekie before the ball was sent left for Simpson to give the scoring pass to Ash Smith who ran in for the try on 37 minutes in almost the same spot as Reece a few minutes earlier. A superb score that appeared to this onlooker as if it involved every Park player in the buildup. Spowart was again unable to convert in the difficult breeze (7-13).

From the restart, Park scored again, Ash Smith running through the home defence to put a long kick into the Birkenhead 22. From the lineout, midway inside the 22 on the left touchline, Park mauled the ball toward the tryline but were awarded a penalty after it was illegally stopped. The penalty kick to touch, a textbook catch and drive with skipper Dubois scoring wide out on the left on the half time whistle. Spowart was unable to convert, the breeze strengthening (7-18).

HT: Birkenhead Park 7 Percy Park 18

Park had dominated the second quarter and as the second half kicked off, the home side needed a response and sure enough, it came within four minutes of the restart. An early Park infringement gave the home side the opportunity to kick to halfway. Park stole the lineout but knocked on in midfield and from the resulting scrum Birkenhead attacked along the right touchline. After several phases, centre Scott Davidson was able to slip a tackle to score under the posts. Baldwin converted (14-18).

The try appeared to galvanise the home side and they began to gain some possession, but their main attacking threat was a long kicking game, either out of hand or from Park infringements. They did attempt to move the ball from a midfield scrum, moving the ball first left then right but Parks excellent and robust defence was sound forcing the home side to eventually knock-on. From the defensive scrum, Park kicked to clear their lines but the ball was brilliantly reclaimed by Reece who fed fullback Ross Young who was into Birkenhead Park territory in an instant. For the next few minutes, after Birkenhead regained the ball, Park kept the home side pinned in and around their own 22 with another excellent defensive effort but when they turned over the ball, Park were on the attack immediately with quick hands putting the ball into the hands of Seb Reece on the right wing and it was only a last ditch tackle that stopped him scoring. However, the referee had been playing advantage as the hosts had strayed offside in midfield and Smith kicked the penalty into the left-hand corner.  The catch and drive, as has been the case so often this season, was perfect with prop Sam Digman touching down on 57 minutes, the try bonus point secured. With the strong breeze Spowart was unable to convert from wide out (14-23).

The home side gained possession from the restart but were unable to do anything with it before the ball was turned over by the visitors. A fantastic break by scrumhalf Andrew Walker brought play into opposition territory before a delicate grubber kick left could not quite be gathered by the speeding Young and a kick ahead by wing Lucas Rowell went dead. As the third quarter ended, Park had a golden opportunity to stretch the lead after Ash Smith put a long kick into the right corner, Park stole the lineout, but referee Evans awarded Park an attacking 5-metre scrum after a home knock-on. Park secured the ball and as they moved to the try line, control of the ball was lost, and home flanker Stuart Cross pounced to touch the ball down, an excellent defensive effort. Park had a stranglehold on both territory and possession with the hosts unable to escape from their own 22 and it was not long before Park scored again. Birkenhead conceded a penalty in the right corner and Park elected to take the scrum. As Walker passed out to Ash Smith (who had moved to standoff after an injury to Fergus Simpson) Seb Reece came off his wing into midfield, received the pass and simply ghosted through the home defence, leaving three players in his wake, to score to the left of the posts midway to the left touchline for another superb score on 69 minutes. Ash Smith converted (14-30).

Reece scored again three minutes later. The home side knocked-on quickly after gaining possession from the restart, and from the scrum four quick passes had the ball in the hands of the flying right wing. He powered over halfway along the right touchline and a sharp turn of direction had him in under the posts for his hat trick and another great try. Smith converted (14-37). Park were not finished yet as they scored again almost directly from the restart. Captain Jonny Dubois made the break into the Birkenhead Park half, the move was carried on by Walker and when the move broke down, the ball was recycled right for replacement prop Aaron Smith, wide on the right, to replicate Reece and canter over on 75 minutes. Ash Smith was unable to convert the difficult kick in the strong wind (14-42).

As the clock ticked down, there was time for a home consolation try, scrum half Sam Chidley sniping over two minutes from time after Park had conceded two quick penalties in their own 22. The try was unconverted (19-42). Park held firm for the last few seconds as Birkenhead looked for a way to secure at least a try bonus point.

FT: Birkenhead Park 19 Percy Park 42

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A comprehensive victory against the Regional 2 North West Champions sets Park up for the challenge of Regional 2 North East Champions Selby RUFC at home next week. In the forwards, Josh Hedley and Joe Thompson excelled, Fergus Simpson and Andrew Walker controlled things at half back and Seb Reece was a constant threat on the wing but everyone played well and it was great to see that all of the replacements had some game time so credit to the coaches. For Birkenhead Park, a sobering day at the office but they were gracious in defeat, and we wish them well (but not too well) in their remaining two pool games. They have had an outstanding season, winning the Cheshire Vase in addition to their league title. They were excellent hosts, and we thank them for their splendid hospitality, and it was a great craic after the game sadly curtailed due to the constraints of time and travel. A great club with great people. Our thanks too to James Evans who refereed the game superbly.  

Post match, El Presidente Keith Atkinson shared his thoughts on the game (before the Port got the better of him): “We played so well, particularly in the first half against the wind after we had shaken off what is a tiring journey. Birkenhead Park are unbeaten at home and for us to come here and win so well is a massive result and, hopefully, it sets us up for the rest of the cup campaign. A tough game next week but after today, the lads must be confident. I think we bullied them up front and we had far too much pace in our backs which they simply could not cope with. Nice to see Langers (Michael Langlands) back on first team duties. All in all, outstanding, a great day. Birkenhead Park are a club with a proud history, and they have been fantastic hosts, but we now look forward to Selby”.

The future of the club looks very bright with players of the calibre of Rowell and Ponton coming through the junior sections and the only blight on a great day were injuries to both Fergus Simpson and James Black who join Leo Caulfield, Jamie Wrigley and Jake Smith on the sidelines.

In the other pool game, Selby defeated Old Brodleians 41-37 at home, scoring a try bonus point, and our game against them is next Saturday (20 April), KO at 3pm. Our hosts today travel to Old Brodleians who secured two bonus points in their defeat at Selby.

There is a pre match lunch next week, details from either myself or Mick Ishida.

Finally, our thanks to Marc Cook and Jamie Wrigley who organized the quiz on the trip to Merseyside. I am happy to report that the ancients at the front of the bus crashed and burned and finished last. It was not so much that we didn’t know the answers, we just didn’t understand the questions! It might also have been of help if our scribe, Mr Atkinson, wasn’t illiterate!!

Percy Park: 15 Ross Young; 14 Seb Reece; 13 Ash Smith; 12 Paul Spowart; 11 Lucas Rowell; 10 Fergus Simpson; 9 Andrew Walker; 8 James Black; 7 Jonny Dubois; 6 Joe Thompson; 5 Chris Reekie; 4 Josh Hedley; 3 Matt Atkinson; 2 Dan Shuttleworth; 1 Sam Digman.

Replacements: Aaron Smith, Michael Birkett, Michael Langlands, Eddie Saint, Charlie Miller, Will Ponton

Category: 1st XV Reports 23/24
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Saturday 6 April 2024

Northern 17 Percy Park 15

Regional 2 North

(HT: 7-5)

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Our last league game of the season saw Park travel to Northern who have been hard on our heels at the top of the table for the entire league season. Despite our title win a fortnight ago, this was no ‘dead tie’ with Park eager to complete the double over our city rivals and Northern eager to preserve their 100% home record and avenge their opening day defeat at Preston Avenue. And so it proved with Northern edging a hard fought, attritional and very physical battle by two points thanks to a late penalty just four minutes from time. For the first time this season, Park were unable to gain a try bonus point in part due to an excellent defensive effort by the home side and in part due to our normally clinical back line not being quite on their game. The strong wind also had a negative effect on the match. That said, there are no complaints, a hard won victory for a team who have had a magnificent season and finish runners up to us in Regional 2 North. It seems that promotion and relegation issues are still being mulled over by those in power but if the rumour mill is true, Northern could be promoted as the best Regional 2 runners up in the north and Park certainly hope so.

There were a number of changes to the Park side that defeated Aspatria last time out to seal the league title and promotion, all in the back line. Will Ponton replaced Paul Spowart in the centre, the returning Fergus Simpson replaced the injured Ash Smith at standoff. On the replacements bench, Spowart was joined by the returning Aaron Smith and Mikey Fisher.

On a sunny afternoon albeit with a strong breeze, Park kicked off with the wind at their backs and were immediately on the attack forcing an early scrum penalty. A line out on the Northern 22 secured possession but despite two penalty advantages around the 22 Park’s attack fizzled out but after 4 minutes the visitors won another scrum penalty which Standoff Fergus Simpson put into the left corner. No 8 James Black drove hard for the line but when he was stopped the ball was spun wide right. The move broke down and the ball was hacked on by a Northern defender for, eventually, Northern prop Cole Cartmell to score almost under the posts on 7 minutes. Standoff Jonny Dowell converted. Northern had barely touched the ball and were seven to the good (7-0).

From the restart Northern infringed, a no arms tackle allowing a kick to the Northern 22. Again, the lineout was secured but as the ball was spun right it was knocked on and Northern relieved the pressure from the ensuing scrum, attacking along their left touchline but they lost the ball and from deep, Park attacked again. Multiple phases had Park on the Northen 10 metre line, Matt Atkinson to the fore, but the ball was again knocked on and the home side cleared to halfway. As the first quarter ended, Park had a chance to score after a penalty was awarded on halfway which was kicked to the Northern 22. The ball was mauled forward and the referee, Louis Dinsdale signalled another penalty advantage. The ball was kicked to the right-hand corner and captain Howard Stock was inches from touching down as the ball went dead.  Minutes later, another penalty was kicked to the home 22 but a knock-on halted progress. Park had the lions share of both territory and possession but could not fashion a score in a tight, attritional game. Park attacked again and from a defensive scrum, the home side cleared to just outside their 22. Park moved the ball infield, and second row Josh Hedley threw a wonderful, looped pass that took out three defenders for left wing Seb Reece to score in the left-hand corner on 26 minutes. Will Ponton was unable to convert (7-5).

On 29 minutes, Northern were awarded a penalty in a rare foray into the Park half but Dowell pushed the resulting kick wide from almost in front of the posts. As the clock ticked down, Park twice had penalties that were kicked into the Northern 22 but on each occasion the ball was lost, and the home side were able to clear their lines. Despite most of the possession and territory, Park turned around at the break two points adrift of the hosts.

HT: Northern 7 Percy Park 5

As the second half got underway, the wind strengthening, Park were straight into the Northern 22 after excellent carries from both Reece and flanker Jake Smith but at a breakdown the ball was lost with Northern counter attacking at pace but when the attack looked likely to result in a score the home side were penalised and Park were able to clear their lines. The game began to get bogged down in midfield with mistakes from both sides, the wind having a definite effect, but Park eventually began to exert some pressure, particularly in the tight, which led to a penalty after several reset scrums. The ball was kicked to the left-hand corner and an excellent catch and drive saw Jake Smith score wide out on 54 minutes. However, with a gusting wind, Ponton was unable to kick the difficult conversion (7-10).  From the kick off, Northern put pressure on in the visitors 22 but Park were defending well and after the ball was lost Park worked the ball towards half way but a dropped pass was scooped up by Northern centre Tom Chandler who raced in unopposed to go over under the posts on 65 minutes leaving Dowell with a simple conversion (14-10).

Park were able to respond immediately with Northern knocking on the restart and the visitors gaining another scrum penalty which was again kicked to the left hand corner. Another excellent catch and drive saw flanker Jonny Dubois go over on 68 minutes, but Ponton was again unable to convert the difficult conversion in the strong wind (14-15).

The score seemed to galvanise the home side and they began to mount sustained pressure on the visitors. Although Park were defending well, they were penalised for not releasing after the tackle and Dowell made no mistake with the resultingbpenalty kick, edging Northern in front on 76 minutes (17-15). They remained composed, not allowing Park any opportunities, to see the out the remaining few minutes of the game.

FT: Northern 17 Percy Park 15

A close game of fine margins. Although we outscored our hosts by three tries to two, easier kicks in a gusting breeze proved to be the difference in a game between two very evenly matched sides. Our congratulations to Northern on the win and a very good season. They go on to play Alnwick in the final of the Northumberland Senior Cup next week at Morpeth and we wish them well and hope that we meet them again next season. Our thanks also for their (always) excellent hospitality and again, as always, to today’s referee Louis Dinsdale without whom there is no game.

Post match, injured fullback Jamie Wrigley reflected on the game, the season and the forthcoming Papa John’s Community Cup campaign: “I thought we played well; we knew it would be a very tough game and so we prepared. I think we had chances to win but we were not as fluent in attack as we normally are and, especially in the first half, we had chances to score but did not take them. Northern defended very well and fair play to them, but they had the luck today. We wanted to win even though we won the league last week but that’s the league season done. Our goal in September was promotion and we have achieved it and in doing so have played some great rugby. The sad thing about today is that our record of a try bonus point in every game has gone but now it’s about the Cup. It has been a fantastic season, I have really enjoyed it, I’ve scored a few tries but the whole team has played really well, and it has been great to be a part of it”. Jamie went on to speak about his personal highlight of the season: “The home game against Durham back in February is my best moment of the league season. I think at the time they were third and flying and in the first half, we really struggled but got to half time ten or twelve points in front, but they scored early in the second half, and I wondered what the response would be. We simply clicked after they scored, and I think we scored forty or fifty points to win convincingly; I knew then that we could win the league and beat anybody on our day”. Looking ahead to the Papa John’s Community Cup Jamie continued: “We really enjoyed last year’s cup run and the final was a great day even though there was the disappointment of losing. This year we are in the Championship with a chance of playing at Twickenham in the final so yes, the boys are really up for it! We are in a tough group but at that level it is to be expected, all the teams will have been going well. We beat Birkenhead Park away last year and there is no doubt we can repeat that win and the way that we have played this year, I really think we can win it because, as I said earlier, on our day we can beat anyone at our level, and I hope I will be fit enough to be part of it”.

The Lions hosted Northern at Preston Avenue and came away with a very impressive win 40-17.

Next week Park do indeed embark their journey in the Papa John’s Community Cup playing this season in the Regional 2 Championship. Unlike last season’s Plate which was a straight knock-out competition, Park are grouped in the North Regional 2 Championship with Birkenhead Park from Regional 2 North West together with Selby and Old Brodleians, both from Regional 2 North East. Birkenhead Park have just won their league championship having won nineteen of twenty-two games played, finishing their campaign on Saturday with a 0-67 win at Vale of Lune. They are unbeaten at home and host Park next Saturday, KO at 3pm, which will be a huge test but, having won there in the Plate last year, Park should be confident. Selby have also won Regional 2 North East, having won seventeen of their twenty-two games and we host them on 20 April at Preston Avenue, KO 3pm. They completed their league campaign in style defeating Bridlington 69-10 at home on Saturday. We complete the group stage on 27 April when we travel to Halifax to take on Old Brodleians who finished third in Regional 2 North East, winning fourteen of their twenty-two games played. They also won handsomely on Saturday with a 50-17 home win against Glossop. Selby completed a league double over Old Brods this season, winning 15-20 away and 41-7 at home. Each of the four English regions have a Regional 2 Championship and the four winners will contest the semi-finals on 4 May with the final at Twickenham on 11 May.

All support at our Cup games would be very much appreciated.

Finally, after a truly memorable league season, a huge thank you to all the players and coaches who have made it so with their hard work and commitment and congratulations again on the title win and promotion. Park are worthy CHAMPIONS!

Percy Park: 15 Ross Young; 14 Howard Stock ©; 13 Ollie Bartles-Smith; 12 Will Ponton; 11 Seb Reece; 10 Fergus Simpson; 9 Andrew Walker; 8 James Black; 7 Jake Smith; 6 Jonny Dubois; 5 Chris Reekie; 4 Josh Hedley; 3 Matt Atkinson; 2 Dan Shuttleworth; 1 Sam Digman.

Replacements: Aaron Smith, Mikey Fisher, Paul Spowart

Sadly, there was no photographer at the game and those on our opponent’s website are subject to copyright and so I have used one from the game against Northern on the opening day of the season. Our thanks as always to Julie Hedley.

Category: 1st XV Reports 23/24
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Saturday 23 March 2024

Percy Park 69 Aspatria 7

Regional 2 North

(HT: 24-0)

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It was fitting that, in the presence of so many past players, the current side produced arguably their best performance of the season to not only comprehensively beat visitors Aspatria but secure the Regional 2 North title and promotion to Regional 1 North East in emphatic fashion. In the final analysis, Park knew what they had to do and they delivered to make Northern’s result at Durham City immaterial (they lost 24-19) and in doing so provided irrefutable evidence that they are the best side in this league. With a solid platform provided by the forwards, the Park back division simply had too much flair and pace for Aspatria to cope with in a twelve try demolition of the Cumbrians. It has been a fantastic season with a try bonus point secured in every match played with some awesome rugby played and Park are indeed worthy CHAMPIONS!

In the match report of our victory at Bower Park a few weeks ago, the Aspatria scribe wrote of our ‘mesmerising series of runs and false runs’, our ‘intelligent movement, structured to create space’ and ‘a near perfect combination of ball retention, aligned with precise but quick movement’ together with ‘willing runners appearing everywhere’ and, for sure, all of that was on show yesterday in a Park master class. To their great credit, Aspatria never capitulated and fought to the end and to be fair to them, in the initial stages of the match they made Park work hard for both ball and territory and the home side only led 7-0 on 27 minutes but as they moved into top gear the dam broke and thereafter, Park tries came at regular intervals. Any lingering nervous tension evident in some of the Park faithful had well and truly dissipated by the half time whistle.

Park made three changes to the side defeated at Middlesbrough last time out; Ross Young moved to fullback to replace the injured Jamie Wrigley with Seb Reece coming in on the left wing and up front, James Black returned to the back row to replace Joe Thompson while on the replacements bench Fergus Simpson, unavailable last week, replaced Reece alongside Tristan Grant and Mikey Fisher. Park also welcomed referee Diego Ricciardi, our exchange official from the Malaga Referee’s Society in Spain.

On a dry and overcast day with a strong breeze Park kicked off into the wind. Aspatria knocked on from the kick and with referee Ricciardi playing advantage Park were immediately on the attack and deep in the visitors 22. Within 3 minutes Park thought that they had scored. After an attacking lineout throw had been overthrown Park regained possession and attacked along the left, Seb Reece to the fore, and with the Aspatria defence stretched the ball was moved quickly right for Ollie Bartles-Smith to go over but Mr Ricciardi adjudged that the final pass had been marginally forward and called an Aspatria scrum. It did not take long before the first score came. Aspatria were struggling to cope with the home sides physicality and intensity in these early stages and from a superb counter ruck in midfield, Park gained a penalty which was kicked to the left-hand corner. Park moved the ball wide at speed with both Ross Young and James Black being held up on the line before a fantastic, looped pass from scrum half Andrew Walker took out two Aspatria defenders for Young to score in the right-hand corner on 8 minutes. Centre Paul Spowart kicked an excellent conversion from wide out. Aspatria had yet to exit their half (7-0).

From the first whistle, Park had been playing expansive rugby and this continued after the first try but errors were creeping into their game allowing Aspatria a foot hold in the match, but they were unable to fashion any real scoring opportunities. No 8 Matthew Atkinson (not to be confused with our own Matt Atkinson) carried extremely well but the Park defence held firm.  A brilliant break from Paul Spowart break came to nought after a Park player was penalised from coming in at the side at the ensuing breakdown and as the Park penalty count began to grow Spowart incurred the referee’s displeasure and received a yellow card on 21 minutes. Shortly afterward, the ball was knocked on when it seemed easier to score but Park began to eliminate the errors and indiscipline and as a result, the second score arrived. From a lineout on the left, the ball was moved in field and strong carries from both second row Chris Reekie and prop Matt Atkinson took the home side deep into the Aspatria 22. The ball was moved swiftly left for Young to give the scoring pass to Seb Reece who squeezed over in the left corner on 27 minutes. Ash Smith missed the difficult conversion (12-0).

The restart had Park again attacking from deep but a superb run from fullback Young lacked support and Aspatria gained the penalty after the ball was not released in the tackle. Park’s physicality again had the visitors in trouble when another strong counter ruck in midfield gained a penalty which was kicked to the left-hand corner. The catch and drive were perfect for Jake Smith to touch down in the left-hand corner on 35 minutes. The returning Paul Spowart was unable to convert (17-0). From the restart Park again attacked from deep with Reece scorching along the left touchline over halfway. When he was tackled illegally the resultant penalty produced a home side lineout on the Aspatria 22. The ball was moved in field with both Spowart and Reekie gaining ground. Ash Smith chipped the ball to the left corner, but it was gathered by the defence only for the ball to be immediately turned over. Scrum half Walker fed the onrushing Reekie who was never going to be stopped from 5 metres out at full tilt and he crashed over for the score on 39 minutes, 6 metres or so from the touchline. Spowart kicked an excellent conversion (24-0). The bonus point had been secured and, in truth and with no disrespect to our visitors, the game was effectively over.

HT: Percy Park 24 Aspatria 0

Aspatria got the second half under way with Park again running the ball from deep. A penalty for a high tackle on halfway had Smith kicking the penalty to put Park on the visitors 22. The ball came into midfield and Smith, seeing a gap open in front of him after a quick sidestep, ran in unopposed from the 22 line to score under the posts. Spowart converted, 42 minutes gone (31-0).

Aspatria barely had time to take a breath before Park scored again. From the restart second row Josh Hedley and centre Ollie Bartles Smith made ground before another high tackle gave Smith the opportunity to kick deep into the Aspatria 22. Another perfect catch and drive had Park over the line and flanker Jonny Dubois touching down wide out on the right on 45 minutes. The difficult conversion was missed (36-0). Park fumbled the restart and at last Aspatria had an attacking platform on the Park 22 and they made the most of it. Moving the ball right, centre Heine Jonkers got over the gain line and as Park conceded penalties referee Riccciadi played the advantage with, eventually, replacement Tom Gardner crashing over on 51 minutes for centre Matt Irving to convert (36-7).

Unfortunately, that was it for our visitors as Park hit top gear to score a further five tries. The first arrived just three minutes later. Aspatria were penalised for a high tackle midway in their own half and the penalty was kicked into the right-hand corner. As the catch and drive faltered, Walker put the ball left into midfield where replacement Fergus Simpson jinked over under the posts on 54 minute with Spowart converting (43-7).

Next up, on 57 minutes, Ross Young scored wide out on the left. From the restart, Josh Hedley on a storming run put Park into opposition territory. From a resulting Aspatria scrum, they fumbled in midfield and an alert Simpson scooped the ball up and moved quickly into the 22 before passing left to fullback Young who went one way and then the other, evading several tackles, to score. Spowart was unable to convert (48-7). On 65 minutes, after a line out on the Aspatria 22, the ball was moved swiftly right where both Simpson and Young made ground before, infield, replacement prop Tristan grant was tackled just short of the line. A quick pass from Walker saw Hedley stroll in under the posts for Spowart to convert (55-7).

The visitors, to their great credit, refused to buckle and began to gain possession and a little territory with centre Jonkers particularly prominent with several strong carries but when the ball was spilled or turned over, Park were able to counterattack with devastating speed that had the Aspatria defence scrambling. Forcing a lineout on the Aspatria 10 metre line, the ball was again moved at speed left with Matt Atkinson almost over before the ball was recycled for centre Bartles-Smith to jink over under the posts on 72 minutes. Paul Spowart converted (62-7). As the clock ticked down there was still time for one more try to begin the title celebrations. Park stole the ball as Aspatria tried to play out of their 22 and the ball was quickly transferred to left wing Seb Reece who sidestepped several tackles to run in under the posts for an excellent try. Spowart converted and the final whistle was blown (69-7).

Cue much celebration as the trophy was presented on the pitch and afterwards in the clubhouse. Aspatria were gracious in defeat and congratulated us on the title win, but in truth, they were simply blown away by a superlative performance from the home side intent on travelling to Northern on the final day of the league season as champions. Every player contributed and played well today and the whole senior squad and the coaches deserve huge credit for all their hard work and commitment in what has been an incredible season, but special mention should be made of Howard Stock who has been an inspiring captain.

Post match, before the celebrations became too raucous, regular standoff Fergus Simpson summed up the game and the season: “Today, I thought we played some of our best rugby of the season, backs and forwards. We knew Aspatria would be very physical, but I thought we coped with that well and in the forwards, we were much the better side. With so much ball we had the freedom to run and some our tries were class. We have worked really hard this year and I have really loved being part of this team and winning the league is very, very special. We deserve it”. It is hard to disagree with those sentiments.

Northern fell at the penultimate hurdle, losing 24-19 at Durham but it mattered not, the five-point haul gained today has Park out of sight at the summit of Regional 2 North and that would have been the case even if our city rivals had won. We thank our visitors for an excellent game and their generosity in defeat and we also thank our referee Diego Ricciardi and hope that he enjoyed his visit to Preston Avenue.

The Lions entertained Tynedale Raiders in an early kick off at Preston Avenue, losing a tough game 26-52 to the Corbridge side. After an excellent and closely fought first half, Tynedale ramped up the pressure in the second half to run away with the game.

There is a two week break before our final league game at McCracken Park on 6 April which is probably just as well given the celebrations on Saturday night! KO is at 3pm. The following weekend, Saturday 13 April, Park begin their Papa John’s Community Cup adventure with a long trip to the Wirral to take on Birkenhead Park in the Regional 2 Championship in a repeat of fixture in last season’s Plate competition, KO again at 3pm. All support would be welcome.

Once again, many congratulations to the lads, PERCY PARK ARE CHAMPIONS!

Percy Park: 15 Ross Young; 14 Howard Stock ©; 13 Ollie Bartles-Smith; 12 Paul Spowart; 11 Seb Reece; 10 Ash Smith; 9 Andrew Walker; 8 James Black; 7 Jake Smith; 6 Jonny Dubois; 5 Chris Reekie; 4 Josh Hedley; 3 Matt Atkinson; 2 Dan Shuttleworth; 1 Sam Digman.

Replacements: Tristan Grant, Mikey Fisher, Fergus Simpson

Category: 1st XV Reports 23/24
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Saturday 16 March 2024

Middlesbrough 32 Percy Park 26

Regional 2 North

(HT: 27-19)

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As the players left the field on Saturday, 20 minutes after the final whistle, flanker Jake Smith simply said: “Hard game. We lost, we’ve put it to bed, we go again next week” and that sentiment was echoed post match by his team mates. After defeat to Middlesbrough in a titanic physical battle there were surely thoughts of could have, should have, but Park did not leave empty handed; two vital bonus points were secured that still leave us six points clear at the summit of Regional 2 North with just two games left to play in this league season. In the final analysis, Middlesbrough just about deserved their victory and Park at times, particularly in the first half, contributed to their own downfall but when, late on, Middlesbrough threatened to run away with the game Park summoned the energy and fight to almost snatch victory. Their fantastic record of scoring a try bonus point in every league game played was maintained and another was gained by ending the game within seven points of the victors. Although not wishing to tempt fate, those points may be the difference in our bid to become league champions at the end of the campaign.

Park made several changes to the side that defeated Stockton a fortnight ago; both Fergus Simpson and James Black were unavailable, so player/coach Ash Smith moved to standoff with Ollie Bartles-Smith partnering Paul Spowart in the centre. In the back row, Joe Thompson replaced Black and Jake Smith came in as openside flanker with Jonny Dubois moving to No 8 to replace the injured Leo Caulfield. Matt Atkinson came into the front row with Tristan Grant dropping to the replacements bench where he was joined by Mikey Fisher and fit again former captain Seb Reece. It was great to see Seb back after a long injury lay off.

On a bright sunny afternoon with a slight breeze (that strengthened as the match progressed), a perfect day for rugby, ‘Boro kicked off and it was Park who started the brighter side in a frenetic opening 10 minutes. They were quickly into the ‘Boro 22 but were caught offside with the home side able to clear their lines but Park were able to return the ball with interest, a clever kick by No 8 Jonny Dubois was chased by scrum half Andrew Walker. The ball was taken over the line by a defender and touched down. As Park put the pressure on in the ensuing 5 metre scrum they were penalised by referee Liam Rogers to their obvious puzzlement and ‘Boro were able to clear the danger.

On 10 minutes, Park opened the scoring. As ‘Boro moved the ball left in midfield from a scrum the ball was dropped and pounced on by the alert Howard Stock who powered forward to be tackled just short of the line. The ball was moved swiftly left for Dubois to go over midway between the left touchline and the posts. Centre Paul Spowart converted (0-7).

The ’Boro response was almost immediate. From the kick off, they worked themselves into the game and when Park were penalised for offside on their 22, the ball was kicked into the left hand corner. The visitors were unable to stop the catch and drive with ‘Boro hooker Joe Sawdon scoring on 15 minutes. Wing Sean Moloney converted (7-7). Middlesbrough immediately struck again from the kick off and with Park unable to gather the ball the home side used their big forward ball carriers to drive forward. Several missed tackles, the first on Park’s 10 metre line, contributed to their progress but when they were finally stopped close to the try line the ball was moved right at speed for ‘Boro full back Matthew Marsay to evade two tackles to score wide out on the right on 18 minutes. Sean Moloney kicked an excellent conversion (14-7).  

Park were again under immediate pressure from the restart but the home side were penalised for holding on to the ball in the tackle and Ash Smith was able to kick to halfway. From the lineout, Park began to put some phases together and exert some pressure of their own and when ‘Boro infringed again, midway in their own half, Smith kicked to the left hand corner. The home side managed to disrupt the resultant drive but in doing so infringed and Smith again kicked to the left hand corner. Middlesbrough managed to disrupt the drive again and just when it looked that the pressure would come to nothing Smith found a way to jink through the ‘Boro defence to score under the posts on 25 minutes. Spowart converted to tie the score (14-14).

Once again, immediately from the kick off, Park allowed the home side to reclaim the ball and centre Aidan Moloney was able to shrug off several tackles to go in under the posts allowing Sean Moloney an easy conversion on 27 minutes (21-14). In a game being played at a frenzied pace, back came the visitors with second row Chris Reekie storming into the ‘Boro 22 only for the ball to be knocked on at the breakdown. Two instances of indiscipline then enabled the home side to stretch their lead; firstly Park strayed offside just inside their own half and ‘Boro were able to kick into the 22. As the ball came infield from the lineout Park were again adjudged to have strayed offside and ‘Boro elected to kick for goal with Sean Moloney converting the penalty on 32 minutes (24-14).

The response from the league leaders came straight from the kick off. They regained possession and attacked along the left touchline, Reekie to the fore, and when the ball was moved at speed right along the line, replacement wing Seb Reece was able to go over 5 yards in from the right corner for an excellent try on 35 minutes. Paul Spowart was unable to kick the difficult conversion (24-19). Sadly, Park again conceded points immediately from the restart, this time penalised for not releasing in the tackle on their own 22. Sean Maloney gratefully kicked the resultant penalty on 38 minutes (27-19).

Park appeared to be determined to score before the half ended but indiscipline cost them in a frantic last few minutes. Park forced two attacking lineouts deep in the ‘Boro 22, an overthrow in the first resulted in a Park infringement allowing the home side to clear their lines and in the second, with the clock in the red, the ball was turned over again allowing ‘Boro to relieve the pressure and gain a further penalty on halfway. There was no further scoring before the half time whistle. A great half of rugby played at an unrelenting pace.

HT: Middlesbrough 27 Percy Park 19

If they had failed to score at the end of the first half, Park were even more determined to score early in the second and this time they were successful. Park kicked off and immediately had the home side under pressure. ‘Boro kicked long and the ball was fielded by Ross Young, who had moved to fullback after an early injury to Jamie Wrigley, and he brilliantly evaded a follow up tackle to move forward at pace. The ball was quickly in the hands of Reece, running a superb line, for the replacement to scythe through the home defence unopposed to score under the posts, the perfect start to the half on 42 minutes, the try bonus point secured. Paul Spowart converted to bring the visitors within a point (27-26).

However, the next few minutes were a horror story with Park putting themselves under unnecessary pressure due to indiscipline. The restart again caused problems with the visitors being penalised for not releasing on their own 10 metre line. ‘Boro elected to kick for goal but, in a let off, Sean Moloney missed the kick. Seconds later, Park scrum half Andrew Walker was shown a yellow card by referee Rogers for an off the ball tackle and again Moloney missed with the resultant penalty kick. The visitors gained some traction and a huge tackle from Chris Reekie and steal from replacement prop Tristan Grant gave Smith the opportunity to kick deep into the ‘Boro 22 but Park were unable to profit from an ensuing penalty when the ball was knocked-on. A kick through from Paul Spowart had No 8 Jonny Dubois chasing hard but the home side were eventually able to relieve the pressure.

The tide began to turn as the third quarter ended; a succession of Park infringements had ‘Boro deep into Park territory, with centres Aidan Moloney, Jack McPhillips and No 8 Adam Marron running and carrying well. The visitors were having to defend a series of ‘Boro drives along the left hand touchline but on 57 minutes flanker Rohan Brown broke free and cantered over in the left hand corner to score the home sides fourth try to earn the bonus point. In a change of place kicker, Aidan Moloney was unable to add the extras (32-26). Six points the difference going into the last 20 minutes.

Park were unable to sustain any meaningful response from the restart despite gaining possession and territory due to repeated knock on offences and this gave ‘Boro the platform to put the visitors under sustained pressure. On 67 minutes a ‘Boro penalty after Park had not released in the tackle had captain Howard Stock warned by referee Rogers and from the resultant penalty ‘Boro mauled into the Park 22 only to knock on with Park able to clear from the scrum. Park were struggling for possession and when they did get the ball it was knocked on or turned over. Park’s defence was excellent, but the penalty count was increasing and on 74 minutes, Stock was warned again by the referee to speak to his players but, after being under the cosh for some 15 minutes, this seemed to galvanise the visitors who summoned the energy and fight to go after the game to win it in an exciting last few minutes.

First possession, then territory and then a penalty kicked to the left hand corner. The catch and drive looked good until Park were adjudged to have knocked on as the try line beckoned. From the scrum, Park were penalised for engaging too early and then, again, knocked on from the resultant line out. As the clock entered the red, Park were awarded a penalty after a scrum close to the ‘Boro line in the left corner. The Park faithful were expecting a kick into the corner but Park chose a tap and go and after being held up on the line ‘Boro were awarded a penalty, and a fantastic game of rugby came to an end.

FT: Middlesbrough 32 Percy Park 26    

For a neutral, this was an absorbing game of rugby between two excellent sides. For supporters of the two protagonists, it probably caused heart failure at one time or another. Both sides knew that they had been in a real battle, a hard physical contest that was not finally decided until the last second. For Middlesbrough, the result has all but confirmed a third place finish and continues their recent run of form, a sixth successive league victory. They have some explosive ball carriers and they are able to mix their game, equally adept at playing a tight forward game or putting the ball out wide. We congratulate them on their victory, thank them for their excellent hospitality and wish them well for the remainder of the season. A great club with great facilities.

For Park, a defeat but a steely determination to put things right next week. Post match, player/coach Ash Smith had this to say: “What was great, we put some really good shape into our attack and were a constant threat from the start and that shows by us claiming another four try bonus point. We had a few personnel changes and I think the lads who came back in really put their hands up. Joe Thompson came back into the side and put in a great shift at six and to have Seb Reece come back in after such a long time out was fantastic. It shows his quality that he can come on and score a brace. As for next week, it is all to play for. The lads understand our current situation and it is literally black and white (no pun intended Ash) what we now need to achieve next weekend against what is going to be a physical Aspatria side. What I am hoping to see next weekend is an increase in physicality and to show real resilience into sticking to who we are and how we play”.

The two points gained mean that a bonus point win next weekend in our penultimate game will see us win Regional 2 North. Northern, our nearest challengers, beat West Hartlepool 30-26 in a tight game but managed to gain a try bonus point to keep the pressure on. For the neutral, a title decider at McCracken Park in our final game would be a fantastic climax to the league season but for me, I would rather be celebrating next Saturday night and enjoy a meaningless final fixture!

The Lions also travelled to Acklam Park on Saturday and enjoyed a thumping win over Middlesbrough Wasps 24-55 and it was great to see scrum half Charlie Miller back in action.

Sadly, the Panthers suffered heartbreak on Sunday when they lost 19-33 at home to Blaydon in their final league game of the season and in the process lost top spot and the league title. In a close game, two late tries did the damage but many congratulations to our Panthers, players and coaching staff, for a fantastic league season. They have shown what they are capable of, and our clubs women’s section is going from strength to strength. The club could not be prouder of your efforts.

So, our penultimate game next week at Preston Avenue is against Aspatria who we defeated in Cumbria last month, KO at 3pm. The players have put everything into this season and fully deserve all our support so, if possible, please make every effort to attend the game and cheer on the lads to a win and league title.

Percy Park: 15 Jamie Wrigley; 14 Howard Stock ©; 13 Ollie Bartles-Smith; 12 Paul Spowart; 11 Ross Young; 10 Ash Smith; 9 Andrew Walker; 8 Jonny Dubois; 7 Jake Smith; 6 Joe Thompson; 5 Chris Reekie; 4 Josh Hedley; 3 Matt Atkinson; 2 Dan Shuttleworth; 1 Sam Digman.

Replacements: Tristan Grant, Seb Reece, Mikey Fisher

Category: 1st XV Reports 23/24
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Saturday 2 March 2024

Stockton 0 Percy Park 57

Regional 2 North

(HT: 0-31)

Josh

This was, by some margin, Park’s biggest win of the season, at home or on the road, and Stockton’s biggest defeat of what has for them been a disappointing campaign. With now just three league games remaining and still holding a nine-point lead over nearest challengers Northern, this game was indeed a huge statement of intent from Park to win the league title. I have rarely seen a game, at any level, where the home team have not once entered the oppositions 22 in the first 40 minutes but that was certainly the case on Saturday and with the visitors scoring five first half tries without reply the contest was effectively over at the break. The hosts, in tenth place in the league table, needed something from the game and the talk in the clubhouse pre-match was of Stockton playing an expansive game to secure, if not the win, a bonus point or bonus points. However, their only real threat came early in the second half and, not for the first time this season, Park’s defence when called upon was simply outstanding.

There were just three changes to the side that defeated Durham two weeks ago; Ross Young returned to the starting line-up on the left wing after injury, Tristan Grant replaced the unavailable Aaron Smith in the front row and both Ollie Bartles-Smith and Matt Atkinson returned to the replacements bench. I am not sure who at Park sent over the team sheet, but it could not have included first names because our hosts appear to have invented them. The pick of the bunch in the match programme were Ollie Reekie, Ollie Spowart (Ollie is obviously popular on the Tees) and my own favourite, Isaac Dubois!

The hosts kicked off on an overcast, very cold afternoon with a slight breeze and rain never too far away. Park were immediately on the attack and a sweeping move along the left touchline saw a kick ahead by standoff Fergus Simpson canon off a Stockton player to avert danger but it did not take the visitors very long to post the first score of the game. On 5 minutes, a Park scrum in centre field saw the ball moved swiftly right. Captain Howard Stock on the right wing jinked in field, the ball moving quickly to the supporting Josh Hedley. The second row crashed through two attempted tackles to give the scoring pass to prop Sam Digman who went over just to the right of the posts. The try was converted by centre Paul Spowart (0-7).  

The second try came just four minutes later. From the restart, slick play from the visitors forced a defensive lineout deep in the Stockton 22. Although the ball was secured, pressure from the Park forwards had Stockton struggling to clear the ball from their own in goal area and when the Stockton fullback Ollie Shaw attempted a left footed clearance kick it simply fell straight into the arms of Park hooker Dan Shuttleworth who crashed over midway between the right touchline and the posts. Spowart converted (0-14).

The visitors immediately attacked again from the restart with fullback Jamie Wrigley racing along the left touchline and his pass to Ross Young looked to have put the winger in but he was denied by an outstanding tackle from Stockton fullback Ollie (there’s that name again) Shaw. After 15 minutes Park scored again from a scrum just outside the home 22. A huge shove by the visiting eight had the Stockton pack going backwards and flanker James Black took the opportunity to pick up, evade two would be tackles, and score in the left-hand corner. The conversion was missed (0-19).

The third Park score seemed to galvanise the home side into securing some possession, but they simply could not gain any meaningful territory and when they lost the ball on halfway visiting scrum half Andrew Walker kicked ahead. He won the race for the ball to score but referee Mike Appleton called play back for an infringement that appeared to puzzle even the home support. As the half progressed Stockton were forced to give away penalties with Park electing scrums on several occasions. Ross Young slipped as the try line beckoned and prop Tristan Grant was held up on the line as the pressure mounted but after Stockton were forced to touch down in goal the scrum pressure finally told. James Black was held up just short but quick ball saw Paul Spowart at pace put second row Chris Reekie in for the bonus point try on 37 minutes. Spowart converted (0-26).

With the clock winding down to the break Stockton must have been hoping to hear the half time whistle but unfortunately for them Park were not finished. In first half stoppage time, a Park lineout in the Stockton 22 saw the ball into the arms of flanker ‘Isaac’ Dubois who stormed over in the left-hand corner for try number five. Spowart was unable to kick the difficult conversion (0-31).

HT: Stockton 0 Percy Park 31

As the rain began to fall, Park kicked off the second half. It was as if the first half had not happened, with the home side on the attack and immediately in the Park 22. The next 10 minutes saw the visitors under sustained pressure but excellent defence denied the home side any serious scoring opportunity despite them twice being almost on the try line. As the third quarter ended, Park were able to lift the siege. From a scrum midway in the Park half, a great run from Black eventually led to Stockton conceding a penalty for not releasing in the tackle and the ball was kicked into the corner. The catch and drive saw Park held up over the line and Stockton were able to clear their lines. Despite this period of pressure, Stockton had failed to score and the fight seemed to go out of them with Park taking full advantage.  After a high tackle on replacement centre Ollie Bartles-Smith midway in the Stockton half, the ball was kicked to the right corner. From the lineout the ball was moved quickly into midfield where a superb pass from Spowart put Bartles-Smith, running a great line, in just to the right of the posts on 62 minutes. Spowart converted (0-38).

The next few minutes saw the visitors constantly on the attack with Stockton defending valiantly but the damn broke again on 72 minutes when, from a scrum midway in the Stockton half, a great pass from Walker saw Ross Young score in at the left-hand corner. The conversion was missed (0-43).

With time running out, Stockton must have been hoping that their misery was complete but it was not to be with standoff Fergus Simpson scoring two excellent late tries. The first, on 75 minutes, saw Simpson on a great run along the right touchline. He was tackled and the ball was moved across field to left wing Ross Young. He made ground and his fantastic offload saw the ball back infield to Simpson to crash over. Paul Spowart converted (0-50).

With time almost called, another excellent attacking move saw Simpson over by the posts for Paul Spowart to convert with the last kick of the match (0-57).

FT: Stockton 0 Percy Park 57

This was as comprehensive a victory as could be wished for, home or away, and it maintains the nine-point lead over Northern at the summit of Regional 2 North. Our city rivals won a hard fought game at Consett 18-27 and in the process secured a try bonus point. It is going to be a fantastic climax to the league season. Our commiserations to Stockton; it is never easy to be on the receiving end of a very heavy defeat but to their great credit, they never threw in the towel and, particularly in the opening of the second half, played well without gaining any reward. No 8 Paul Evans and scrum half Nick Whinstanley played extremely well but the defeat sends our hosts to second bottom of the league. We wish them the very best for the remainder of the season; they were gracious in defeat and we thank them for their kind and generous hospitality. Our grateful thanks, as always, to referee Mike Appleton.

For Park, it was all positive; an attacking threat from almost anywhere on the field and a defence that just seems to get better with every game played. Our man-of-the-match Paul Spowart had this to say post-match: “I hope that the hard work that the lads are putting in is plain to see. There are thirty-five senior players at every training session working so, so hard, playing their hardest for the shirt, for the club. Every game we treat as a cup final, that is our mentality and it will be until the last league game is played. I have to say, although we scored a lot of tries today, our defence when we needed it was fantastic and again, it shows the work that we are doing in training”. That hard work is very much in evidence but the players are definitely not getting ahead of themselves; nothing has yet been achieved so the hard work continues. Paul also asked me to mention that he won, all too easily, the after match MOTM drink contest. The sign of a seasoned pro Spow!

The Lions were also on Teeside to take on Billingham and although they lost 54-28 in a high scoring game, the Lions played as well as they have done this season. Billingham had several players from their National 2 side playing but they were given a stern test by their Tyneside opponents. This Saturday, the Lions face the Rockcliff 1st XV in the Northumberland Plate semi-final at Preston Avenue, KO is at 2pm. The game will be followed by the live screening of the England v Ireland 6 Nations game in the 1872 Bar. All support would be most welcome particularly as there is no first team game next weekend.

The Panthers too are engaged in a titanic battle for the league championship in NC 3 North (North). Having lost their last two league games by agonisingly close margins, 15-12 at Rockcliff and 25-24 at Blaydon, they hold a slender one point lead at the top with one game to play, at home to Blaydon on Sunday17 March. It should be a great game and again, all support would be most welcome.

Park are next in action on Saturday 16 March when they return to Teeside to take on Middlesbrough who are currently third in the Regional 2 North table and who are unbeaten in their last five league fixtures, the latest being a 30-34 victory at Durham at the weekend. It will be a very tough test.  

Percy Park: 15 Jamie Wrigley; 14 Howard Stock ©; 13 Ash Smith; 12 Paul Spowart; 11 Ross Young; 10 Fergus Simpson; 9 Andrew Walker; 8 Leo Caulfield; 7 Jonny Dubois; 6 James Black; 5 Chris Reekie; 4 Josh Hedley; 3 Sam Digman; 2 Dan Shuttleworth; 1 Tristan Grant.

Replacements: Matt Atkinson, Jake Smith, Ollie Bartles-Smith

Photo courtesy of Julie Hedley

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