REGIONAL 2 NORTH

PERCY PARK 28 -15 MIDDLESBROUGH

Percy Park maintained their 7 point lead at the top of Regional 2 North with a bonus point win over 3^rd placed Middlesbrough. An overnight deluge meant condition were soggy underfoot but the rain held off throughout the game and mild conditions brought out a decent crowd to watch an entertaining game. Park kicked off with a Simpson grubber style kick which nearly caught out the visitors but a bobbling ball was retained and a platform set up to clear to half way for the first line out of the day.

The Park support along with match day sponsors Muckle LLP and their guests were treated to a fine early try from skipper Howard Stock with only 4 minutes gone. Ball from the top of a line out was spread wide and Jamie Wrigley cut through the defence to draw the last defender to put Stock on the right wing in at the corner. Paul Spowart sporting a natty Freddie Mercury style moustache in support of Movember slotted the difficult kick and Park led 7-0.

Although Park seemed to have the bulkier front 5, Middlesbrough held their own in the early scrums until  Josh Lynas incurred the wrath of referee Simon Williams of the Durham Referees Society. The Middlesbrough loosehead prop had been warned for his binding on a couple occasions before being penalised. Some backchat saw the visitors marched back 10 metres before Lynas was shown a yellow card. Park kicked to the corner and a text book catch and drive took the home side to the try line as scrum half Andrew Walker spotted a gap and sniped through to score. Spowart was again on target from wide out and Park doubled the lead to 14-0 after 15 minutes.

From the restart Park gathered the ball but Chris “Tank” Reekie was pinged for holding on and the visitors opted to kick to the corner rather than taking the easier 3 points. The line out was won and the drive progressed to the Percy Park try line. A couple of pick and go’s were repelled before the burly framed tight head Myles Colvin barrelled his way over the whitewash for the try  that centre Brendan Hill converted. 14 – 7.

A superbly weighted restart kick by Fergus Simpson allowed wing Paddy Browne to pluck the ball out of the air and tear off down the left hand flank. Although stopped in the Middlesbrough 22, the recycled ball was spun through the backs and found full back Jamie Wrigley who weaved his way through the defence to score under the posts for Park’s third try and Spowart’s third conversion. 21-7.

Percy Park were scoring at a rate of a point a minute and when Boro were penalised for going off their feet in a ruck, the kick to the corner set up another attacking move. Although the initial catch and drive was held up, man of the match Drew Walker stepped his way through several would-be tackles to score his second try of the game and earn his team the 4 try bonus point with only 24 minutes gone. Paul Spowart was again on target with a 100% conversion rate so far on the day as Park went into a 28-7 lead. 

The home side had a couple of opportunities to extend the lead as the first half came to a conclusion, but the greasy conditions did not make handling easy with final passes not going to hand.

Boro kicked off for the second period with the slope and Park with the lowering sun in their eyes. Any thought that this would be a rout for the home team was soon dispelled and the maroon clad Middlesbrough upped their game and pinned Park deep in their own half for long spells. Percy Park were penalised for not rolling away as Josh Hedley had looked to have jackled the ball fairly. With the kick to the corner Park were caught napping at the front of the line out as the ball was thrown in then quickly back to hooker Joe Sawdon for a well planned and executed try. Brendan Hill couldn’t make good the extra points. 28 -12

Percy Park still tried to play expansive rugby, which given the conditions was proving difficult, although Jamie Wrigley nearly broke through the defence but was stopped 5 metres out. Park were awarded a penalty after a no-arms tackle on Chris Reekie. Spowart stepped up to take the kick at goal but the left footed kicker hooked the ball right of the posts for his only miss of the day.

Middlesbrough were then awarded a kickable penalty some minutes later which Hill slotted to reduce the deficit for his side to 28 -15. With a full 25 minutes of the game to go both sides attacked and defended in equal measure without being able to add to the score line. Jake Smith showed so good attacking moves off the bench linking up well at one point with Josh Hedley only for a potential try scoring opportunity to be pulled back for a forward pass, which on the video proved to be the correct call.

Percy Park will be pleased with yet another bonus point win, and despite leaving Preston Avenue empty handed and unable to secure a losing bonus point Boro remain in third place behind Northern in second.

On the far pitch Park Lions took on Middlesbrough Wasps and ran out 33-28 in a tight game with the Lions down to 14 men for a long spell due to injury.

Next week we take a break from league rugby as the 1^st XV entertain Alnwick in the Northumberland Senior Cup.

Regional 2 North

Percy Park RFC 33 v Stockton RFC 7

Feisty encounter on the Tyne.

Remembrance Day brought a feisty encounter to Preston Avenue as Stockton arrived with real intent. A winning streak had installed a mentality into the visitors that they were a team on the up and were there to be taken seriously. The first ten minutes (or more) Percy Park were camped deep inside their own 22 and to be fair showed fantastic discipline with a defensive set that went on and on. Park eventually broke free with a transition try that brough the crowd to their feet but was rewarded by the coaching team with a hearty ‘Great D Park’. The game was set. No quarter to be given as the two sides dug in and battled across 80 minutes.

A respectful minute’s silence was held before kick off with all attending reflect on conflicts past and the loss of family members and loved ones. As we watched the game today a few facts that might cause you to reflect, pause and consider the sacrifices made by others to ensure our country remains free and we live our lives in relative peace. One man was killed every 4.4 seconds of the first day of the Battle of the Somme. In the time we watched today’s game 1091 soldiers would have lost their lives. And the average age was 22 years and two months. About the same as both set of players. Sobering thought.

As Percy Park absorbed the opening salvos Michael Langlands and Paul Spowart went nose to nose with their opposite numbers. Stockton probed and probed again but they could not find a way through. The home side had the advantage in the set piece and looked sharp with the ball. Kicking away possession dictated their inability to get, meaningfully, out of their half. The faithful weren’t panicking just yet they knew that one sharp pass in middle field would bring broken field rugby and, in that regard, we are devastating. A very dominant scrum from the Park ‘eight’ brought clean fast ball. Quick hands put Howard Stock into space out wide. Good interlink play with Jamie Wrigley moving with real pace. The tackling player dropped off giving Wrigley the try.

Stockton were aggressive at the breakdown and our scrum half was having some difficulty getting the ball away. The game was aggressive and very combative. Our front five were putting a shift in winning and securing ball. James Black was all energy as he marshalled the Park pack across the field. One period of good possession was kicked away behind the Stockton posts and coach Keith Lauchlin vented his frustration as the resulting drop out was allowed to hit the floor with our player knocking on. Hard won territory lost in the blink of an eye.

Percy Park were dominant in the set piece but became perplexed as they were penalised again and again. High tackles weren’t being punished. Frustrations were simmering and the referee looked as if they might lose control. One or two of our players became too vocal along with our (normally very placid) physio who expressed her disquiet quietly.

The home side began to win the personal contests. Territory was being won and as Percy Park mauled to the line Stockton ‘pulled down’ bringing the train to the ground. We kept possession and worked our forwards in the middle before moving left. Constantly probing we came back to the middle. Matty Atkinson was subject to a huge hit. The ball was retained. We were working hard stretching their defence and received ‘just reward’ as Jamie Wrigley crossed for the brace, touching down under the posts. The conversion taken. 12 nil to the home side.

Josh Hedley was having a ‘stormer’. Working hard Percy Park put the gangling second row into Stocktons back line. The faithful saw and encouraged. Head down Hedley bulldozed through into space. Michael Langlands with the push. Huge legs ate the ground putting the second row ‘one on one’ with the defender. For some inexplicable reason the defender went high and was brushed off. Two further attempts were made to no avail allowing Josh to score a fine individual try. The try converted.

Percy Park had weathered the storm. Stockton began to run changes as they lost their outside centre to injury. Mikey Fisher went off with a ‘blood injury’ to be replaced by Jake Smith. We might have weathered the Stockton storm but we hadn’t won over the referee. Decision after decision went against. There was too much chat from our side and eventually it cost. Two Stockton players collided (or so it appeared) as they contested a high ball. The ball bounced forward. The referee awarded Stockton the put in. Michael Langlands adjudged to have given a push in the build-up. There was some chat and (I think) Leo Caulfield’s response brought a lecture. Stockton couldn’t hold their scrum as Percy Park drove them backwards. The Stockton ‘8’managing to get the ball out before he was over run.

Play continued. Andrew Walker was caught at the back of the ruck. A Stockton player failing to roll away? In the melee after the referee received some chat reversed their decision and from the resulting play Stockton attacked our line and scored. Not clever. An easy conversion took the game into the half at 19 points to 7.

The half time break brought an unlikely peacekeeper as our lineman Paul Jobson sought to dampen touchline incredulity. His calm demeanour owing much to an improved diet and a good night’s sleep. What we could all agree in was that there was ‘too much chat’ from our side.

The opposition were keen on catching Andrew Walker with the ball. A hand or shove anything to tie him in. The Stockton 13 was so intent on his intent he came around the side, actually walked around, and contested the ball. Bizarre. Penalty against. Still, Stockton contested and the physicality went up a notch. A Stockton penalty in front of the posts was ignored. The resulting line out lost. The ball returned to the Stockton half with aplomb. From a line out Percy Park ‘caught and drove’ toward the visitor’s line. Real muscle from the forwards. No stopping them as hooker Dan Shuttleworth dived over the line to score. Good try. Conversion taken 26 to 7.

Some indifferent interpretation of scrummage penalties perplexed player and supporter. Shouts and appeals became louder. Percy Park were not getting the reward their dominance deserved. As a consequence, the game see sawed. We kept creeping off side and were punished. The decisions arguably keeping Stockton in the game and in territory. All that to one side it was absorbing.

Paddy Browne made an entrance into a centre field and what an introduction.  A big hit and superb lines demonstrated our coaching teams hope and hype. Ross Young was brought to ground with a try saving tackle that was top drawer. Talking of ‘top drawer’ Josh Hedley had another moment. Carrying the ball, he attacked the bungalow corner and whilst fending off the attacker passed out the back to the waiting James Black to score the try. Brought a cheer that one! 33 to 7

Andrew Walker was receiving some unwanted attention. His box kick was collected by himself and an over the head pass kept play going forward. The ball went to the ruck and we were penalised. Our player was ragged about a bit. He saw red and slapped his opponent in front of the referee. Fortunately, the referee didn’t see red. Yellow card given. Down to 14

Percy Park continued to press well. Some big defensive moments in field. Browne and Seb Reece to the fore. (Its great to see our former Captain Seb Reece coming into some form.). Tensions remained high. There was a lot going on off the ball. Ross Young had words. The Stand crowd weren’t happy. The referee was being constantly questioned. One almighty clearance kick from Paul Spowart released some pressure. Breathless stuff for the spectator. Park saw out the ten and with almost a minute left saw out the game. 33 to 7 the final score.

Coach Ash Smith was happy with the performance of his team ‘Thought the lads really put in a shift today. Stockton are always feisty, and I was impressed by how our lads matched their physicality. Highlights for me: James Black at number 8 continues to impress; his work rate is fantastic. Seb Reece returned to the starting side, and I thought he had some really good touches.   However, my man of the match was Josh Hedley. Without his partner in crime, Tanky, by his side, he bulldozed his way through their defensive line and made some excellent decisions to get his head down and get us over the line.’

And for those who expressed concern that Hanoi Ken was being misled toward Bangkok. He is okay, fit and well by last report. He is accompnied by Terry his partner, who is not a he/she person that he met in a seedy redlight room above a shop. Be assured she will look after him and has promised to keep him on a short leash!

Representing Percy Park RFC:

From 15: Jamie Wrigley, Howard Stock, Seb Reece, Paul Spowart, Ross Young, Fergus Simpson, Andrew Walker

From 8: James Black, Leo Caulfield, Mikey Fisher, Michael Langlands, Hosh Hedley, Matty Atkinson, Dan Shuttleworth and Aaron Smith.

Finishers: Tristan Grant, Paddy Browne and Jake Smith,

Regional Two North

Durham City RFC 22 v Percy Park RFC 29

Despite an early score Percy Park have to ‘dig deep’ at the Drift

This week’s missive returns to the safe hands of Hackinson as Flying Squad has decided to ride a motorcycle side saddle with his beau Terry in Hanoi before flying off to visit seedy night clubs in Bangkok. Riding side saddle with long legs is going to be a ‘tad’ tricky. And talking of tricky, Percy Park came through a difficult game to defeat a very game, young and blossoming Durham side. Coach Ash Smith was ‘fairly happy’ with the win however it has to be said that we did make rather hard work of it, especially when you consider the electric start we made.

In the aftermath of Storm Ciaran Durham City kicked off on what can only be described as a pleasant autumn afternoon. The kick was high and collected before the chasing pack could challenge. The ball was whipped to our left and given to full back Jamie Wrigley. Wrigley outpaced the stretched home defence, galloping like a thoroughbred bay colt, before releasing Ross Young to score under the posts. First score in under 45 seconds. Impressive start missed by Jamies mother as she was head down in a carton of chips! Conversion taken.

Durham responded well. Percy Park strayed offside. A little too eager to get off the line. Still, it was a distance kick that was well taken. And it was another kick that outdid the visiting side. Durham scrum half Paul Armstrong lofted an ‘up and under’. Collected, the ball went left to an advancing forward who bounced our centre Ollie Bartles-Smith. The ball was moved to former Durham school player Scott Rochester to round Howard Stock and slide into the corner. From start to finish it was a good score. Fortunately for us the conversion didn’t match the try. Durham ahead by one.

From the stand you could see that Durham wanted to keep the ball in the tight and reduce our running game. We were crying out for quicker ball to break the line to create ‘broken field rugby’. Durham had done their homework and we were being dragged into game we didn’t really want to play. In attempting to keep Park tied in at the ruck an errant hand on the floor was seen by the referee as the ball magically found its way to the team in blue. Ignoring the points on offer Percy Park kicked to the corner, relying on the set piece to bring the points. A well taken lineout, on a short ball, resulted in Leo Caulfield notching the score. Has to be said, Josh Hedley’s line out work is getting better with each game he plays. Paul Spowart struck the conversion attempt well and was unfortunate to see the ball strike the post, returning to pitch side rather than across the upright. 8 points to 12. Park ahead.

Durham kept to the forwards and a super tackle from Chris Reekie briefly stopped their momentum. They kept coming, attracting a penalty for a high tackle. With points on offer the home side went to a penalty move. Chris Metcalfe at ‘8’ trundling over for the score. Effective. Easy conversion under the posts.

Penalty attempts kept coming with Percy Park offered 3. Again, they went to the corner only to see Paul Spowart spoon his kick backwards. Hey ho law of averages states you cannot get them all. Both teams were looking good going forward although Durham looked weaker in the centre. If we had quicker ball, we could have made a bee-line for the middle, lofted passes made that difficult with Parks strike runners unable to get on the ball. Durham took advantage and kept our team contained. The effort was tiring the home side. A thought not lost on the Durham coach who kept rotating his team. Frustration crept into Parks play and as a consequence we had a little rumble on the floor. As soon as the players were parted the referee signalled the half. The half allowing frayed tempers to cool.Durham ahead 15 to 12.

Almost from the kick off Durham gave the away side a gift of 3 points. A lazy runner gave the penalty and, on this occasion, Paul Spowart found the sweet-spot and sent the ball sailing across and in between the posts.

The game became entrenched. Durham were expending a lot of effort. Their coach giving breathers through clever rotation. The travelling faithful encouraged quicker play. If Park could find a rhythm this game was ‘there for the taking’. Durham’s 15 was having a great game and Park centre Ollie Bartles-Smith was impressing with his defence. Eventually the vocal travelling support got their wish. Quick ball saw Jamie Wrigley break the line and we were behind enemy lines. Ross Young once more in support to give the finish. Ollie converted. 15 points to 22. And on the score Seb Reece made a very welcome return to the side following a long period away with a frustrating hamstring injury.

Durham responded with keep ball. Tempers flared when the two scrum halves had a bite at each other. Thankfully for both sides the referee remained and took a lenient view of the incident. Chris Reekie was putting in some great hits. His midfield work is superb. We would be a poorer side without him.

A wheeled scrum game Ollie Bartles-Smith an attempt at ‘posts’ from approximately 45 metres. The crowd wondered if Ollie had the distance. We waited in hopeful anticipation only to see the ball flop in front of the posts. As many a male can attest it’s an unfortunate occurrence that can blight any man. Hope Hanoi Ken is relaxed and on form.

From a mid- field position Andrew Walker was marched back ten for kicking the ball away. From the resulting mark Percy Park were under pressure and needed a big moment from their front five. Durham set and the ball went in. Park grunted and we took the ball against the head. Best scrum of the day. Even better we flipped the ball wide and, yes, got into broken play with Ollie Bartles-Smith making the line break before delivering to Seb Reece to finish with aplomb. Great score and converted. 15 to 29 with ten minutes to go.

Durham came back and pressured through impressive forward play. Some hard yards were won only to see scoring opportunities butchered. Frustrating watch for the home side. For the neutral an interesting period. Percy Park ran the bench injecting the fresher legs of a youthful Michael Langlands into the fray.

Andrew Walker was penalised for not releasing at the back. Bit harsh that one. Instead of a shot at goal Durham went for a scrum. What do I know? Percy Park lost the scrum and had to defend well. Durham became too eager and lost the ball. The Durham coach kept rotating his players which left many wondering how many changes can you have? And if anyone was keeping count?

City kept coming and camped in our 22. Park received a referee warning and on the next infringement Jamie Wrigley was shown a yellow. Park’s defensive set is one of legend unfortunately numbers counted and Durham crossed for the try. With the score at 20 points to 29 a successful conversion would give Durham a bonus point. To pile the pressure on the referee indicated ‘last kick’ Undeterred Durhams young full back ‘made good his effort’ to bring his side a well-earned and deserved point. Final score 22 points to 29.

As Ash Smith observed ‘‘Overall, fairly happy with the game. The build-up was around the weather but our lads had the mindset of playing on any pitch in any conditions. The weeks training focused around our transitions from attack into defence and vice-verse. The game was very stop-starty which meant we weren't able to put this into much practice as we then had relied heavily on our set piece and we scoring tries from set plays. I think what summed up our afternoon, was our last defence set, the boys showed real grit to stop Durham from scoring even after going a man down. The work that Keith has done with the lads about our connections and how we build pressure rally showed with the boys, although they scored with the last play, the lad’s effort to charge the last kick down showed our mentality.'

Representing Percy Park RFC:

From 15: Jamie Wrigley, Howard Stock, Paul Spowart, Ollie Bartles-Smith, Ross Young, Fergus Simpson

From 8: James Black, Leo Caulfield, Mickey Fisher, Josh Hedley, Chris Reekie, Sam Digman, Dan Shuttleworth and Tristan Grant

Finishers Aaron Smith, Michael Langlands and Seb Reece.

Saturday 21 October 2023

Percy Park 52 West Hartlepool 24

Regional 2 North

(HT: 26-14)

West Hartlepool were our visitors at the weekend for the Round 7 fixture in Regional 2 North. Great credit must go to the Park ground staff as the pitch was in almost perfect condition after the ravages of Storm Babet over the preceding two days. Park were looking to get back to winning ways after a comprehensive defeat at Consett last time out and maintain their position at the top of the league table while West were looking to build on a highly encouraging win over Durham City last weekend. The game was sponsored by our friends from Wade Financial who continue to support the club for which we are sincerely grateful and the President of the Northumberland RFU, Ruth Scott, was our guest for the day. Park made a number of changes from the defeat at Consett; Toby Davison moved to full back in place of the unavailable Jamie Wrigley, captain Howard Stock returned to the right wing and Ross Young to the left, both having missed last week's game. In the pack, Dan Shuttleworth came in as hooker, Matt Smith replaced Tristan Grant at tighthead prop, Josh Hedley returned to the second row and making his first start in the 1st XV since his return to the club, Jake Smith packed down on the flank.

In thankfully dry conditions, West kicked off with the slight breeze at their backs. The early exchanges saw Park attempting to play with width but hampered by errors and indiscipline allowing West early front foot ball with No 8 Jay Corbett to the fore but when West knocked on, Park showed their attacking intent with strong running from centre Ash Smith and wing Ross Young moving the home side deep into West territory. When a Park penalty advantage came to nought, the ball was kicked into the left hand corner and from the resultant line out, Park, in what has been a potent weapon this season, drove hard to the West line for hooker Dan Shurttleworth to touch down after 4 minutes. Paul Spowart missed the conversion (5-0).

From the restart, Park gained possession and some exhilarating back play with stand-off Fergus Simpson and wing Howard Stock prominent, Park were quickly into the West half only for a knock on to halt progress. From the scrum, the Park eight showed their power, driving West off of the ball and a chip through by Smith playing another penalty advantage by referee Tony Lowery had the West defence scrambling to touch the ball down in goal. Park were not able to sustain the pressure as a penalty awarded for an infringement in the tackle allowed West a relieving kick to touch. As a consequence, West were able to build some phases with Corbett and full back Sam Knight making ground but a knock on halted momentum. After regaining possession Park made steady progress, the ball being moved up to the West 22 before knocking on but from the scrum, the Park forwards again splintered the visitors pack, the regained ball quickly moved right for wing Howard Stock to power over wide on the right on 20 minutes, centre Paul Spowart kicking an excellent conversion (12-0).   

As has too often been the case this season, Park infringed immediately, after scoring, from the restart as they were penalised for not releasing in the tackle but West were unable to take advantage as centre Matt Siddle pushed the penalty kick wide. Play became somewhat scrappy with both sides unable to retain possession, both making errors and being punished for indiscipline. After 29 minutes, Park regained possession on their 22 after a West kick was charged down only for a long wayward pass infield to go straight into the hands of West wing Lewis Scott who ran in unopposed to score West’s first try under the posts. This was converted by Siddle (12-7).  

This gift galvanised the home side, with some excellent interplay between forwards and backs driving Park forward, forcing the visitors to concede penalties. From a resultant line out deep in the West 22, Park drove for the line. Dan Shuttleworth peeled off but was stopped just short of the West line but as the ball was recycled prop Aaron Smith was driven over for the try to the right of the posts on 34 minutes. With the low sun directly in his eyes, Paul Spowart kicked another excellent conversion (19-7). Park seemed to lose concentration from the restart, and when West left wing Max Tennant gained possession on half way, wide on the left, he was able to evade several attempted tackles into open space and canter in by the posts for a brilliant individual try which was converted by Siddle on 37 minutes (19-14). Park responded immediately; as half time approached they scored the bonus point try. From the restart, West were penalised for a high tackle and the ball kicked into the left hand corner. From the lineout catch and drive it was hooker Shuttleworth touching down again for Spowart to convert from wide out on the left.

HT: Percy Park 26 West Hartlepool 14

The second half saw Park straight on to the attack, a promising position lost as West turned the ball over and kick the ball out on half way. From the lineout stand-off Fergus Simpson and wing Ross Young combined brilliantly along the left wing to breach the West defence. As the move appeared to break down Simpson was able to regather and score wide out on the left on 42 minutes. Spowart converted (33-14).

The game lost cohesion, Park conceding needless penalties and West making handling errors but eventually West were able to make the penalty count pay. On 49 minutes, punching holes into the midfield with referee Lowery playing advantage, the ball was moved right for wing Lewis Scott to score his second try wide on the right which was unconverted (33-19). West were still in the game. From the restart, play was initially scrappy but Park started to put together some good phases. From a scrum on the left of half way, the ball was moved quickly to the right touchline. Wing Stock was tackled but the ball was moved infield with prop Matt Atkinson powering up to the West posts. Tackled, the ball was moved left only for a pass to be over thrown straight into touch. However, from the resultant West lineout, the ball was stolen by No 8 James Black who crashed over 5 metres infield on 55 minutes. The try was unconverted (38-19). 

Park began to play with real intent, again backs and forwards working together well. A thundering charge in midfield by prop Matt Atkinson had West scrambling in defence but a very promising move broke down when Park backs were penalised for crossing. West then had a period of pressure but were unable to breach the Park defence with the home side able to kick for touch on half way on the right. From the lineout, the ball moved left with full back Toby Davison breaking the defensive line. As the ball was recycled after the tackle and with the referee playing advantage, No 8 James Black made ground and gave the scoring pass to flanker Jake Smith who scored with an ‘Ash Splash’ wide on the left, an excellent try.  Spowart converted on 65 minutes (45-19).

The home side scored again after 69 minutes when from a West knock on in midfield, the ball was moved right with Davison again making ground and delivering a superb offload in the tackle, the ball ending up wide on the right with left wing Ross Young whose swift feet, change of direction and hand off had him score another excellent try under the posts for Spowart to convert (52-19). West refused to lie down and what was almost a repeat of their last try, continuing infringements allowed them to punch holes in the Park defence, playing a repeated advantage, before prop Jack Angus scampered over for their bonus point try on 74 minutes. The try was unconverted (52-24). Although, as the clock ticked down, Park pressed there was to be no further score.

FT: Percy Park 52 West Hartlepool 24

Player/Coach Ash Smith was his honest self when asked how he thought the game had gone after last week's defeat at Consett: “Better….” was his considered response, adding that there had been much discussion about the defeat with some honest opinions aired, but he admitted that discipline remains problematic. There were far too many penalties awarded against the hosts this week it must be said and it was a factor in the loss last week. 

James Black had a great game at No 8 for Park but in truth, at different times, almost every player did something that made a difference and yes, indiscipline was a problem and might be more of one in tighter games, but at times we produced some excellent rugby and Park did score 8 tries to maintain the record of a try bonus point in every league game played this season. Despite the scoreline, West kept fighting to the end and a bonus point was just reward for their efforts, Before injury, No 8 Jay Corbett was influential and full back Sam Knight, in his first season in senior rugby, played well. They are a good side and will win a good many matches this season; we wish them well, thank them for a good hard game and look forward to the return at Brinkburn in February. Our thanks too to referee Tony Lowery. Park remain at the summit of Regional 2 North, 5 points clear of Middlesbrough who beat Consett 38-17 on Saturday.

There was a presentation pre game to our long serving former Junior Registration Secretary Melanie Ward, and we thank you Mel for very many years of volunteer service to Percy Park. Please don’t be a stranger!

Next week, 28 October, Park are at home to Alnwick from Regional 1 North East in the Northumberland Senior Cup, KO 3pm and return to league action on Saturday 4 November at Durham City, KO 2pm.

Percy Park: 15 Toby Davison; 14 Howard Stock (c); 13 Paul Spowart; 12 Ash Smith; 11 Ross Young; 10 Fergus Simpson; 9 Andrew Walker; 8 James Black; 7 Jake Smith; 6 Leo Caulfield; 5 Chris Reekie; 4 Josh Hedley; 3 Matt Smith; 2 Dan Shuttleworth; 1 Aaron Smith.

Replacements: Tristan Grant; Max Bailey; Robin Houghton.

Photo Galleries. 
Park - Here

West Hartlepools - Here