August has arrived and that means that preseason preparations are well under way at Percy Park with the senior sides beginning their league campaigns in early September. I have received updates from both Ash Smith and Mandy Wood as to how things are shaping up going into what will be an eagerly awaited league season for both the men’s and women’s senior sides.

In respect of the men, 21 new players have been recruited over the summer which has given preseason a fantastic buzz. There will be great competition for places. As well as new players, James Ponton has joined the coaching staff. As a player, James played at the very highest level in English Club Rugby (as well as playing for Park) and he has coached at Newcastle Falcons as well as with England at U18 level. There is no doubt as to his quality and his experience and he is already extremely popular with the players.

This coming weekend, the whole squad will be involved when Park welcome Berwick to Preston Avenue so as to give as many players as possible some game time. The same approach will be taken the following weekend when Ashington are the visitors. After those first two games, two sides will be fielded on 24 August with the 1^st XV travelling to Hawick to take on the Scottish Cup and Border League winners. Hawick also came agonisingly close to retaining their league title, losing a close came against Currie in the final so a tough encounter is expected. The Lions head along the road to Seghill. Our final preseason fixture is a midweek one up at Mitford Road against Morpeth.  

Ash says: “We are all looking forward to this season and feel that we have a very strong side to more than hold our own in Regional 1 North. The squad have bonded really well, and everyone is looking forward to Saturday and seeing exactly where we are”.

The Percy Park Panthers are well into preseason preparations which began on 1 July. The team is buzzing with enthusiasm with a fresh new team logo that aligns perfectly with the rest of the club, along with a new first-team kit proudly sponsored by Maggies Centres, Newcastle. After just missing out on promotion last season, there is a determination to achieve that goal this time around.

With preseason friendlies already arranged, the Panthers have hit the ground running at training, focusing on team fitness and cohesion. The dedication and hard work have already begun to pay off, as evidenced by the match on 4 August against Peterlee & Horden at Preston Avenue. Although the score didn't reflect the team’s effort, the definite improvement in team fitness was a highlight and the coaches were extremely pleased with what they saw as significant progress.

Looking ahead, the Panthers have more preseason matches scheduled, starting with a home match against Houghton on 18 August followed by a trip to Skipton to face their Roses. Our league campaign will commence on 15 September, away to Penrith.

Mandy says: “In addition to our training and matches, the camaraderie within the team is stronger than ever. Many of our Panthers will be attending the club BBQ to support the men’s team on Saturday, August 10. We also have a fun night at the beach planned, complete with pizzas for the ladies, allowing us to unwind and bond before the season kicks off. As we look forward to the upcoming season, we feel a renewed sense of strength and unity. The family-like bond among our players creates a safe and supportive environment for everyone to train and play rugby. Here’s to a fantastic season ahead for the Percy Park Panthers!”

Both of the senior sections appear to be in good shape, are full of enthusiasm and both are raring to go! There is every reason to be confident regarding the upcoming season. A quick reminder of the preseason matches:

Men

10 August         Park vs Berwick            Home                  Squad Game                 

17 August         Park vs Ashington       Home                  Squad Game

24 August         Hawick vs Park             Away

24 August         Seghill vs Lions             Away

TBC                      Morpeth vs Park           Away

Please check Park Social Media platforms for KO times and confirmation of the Morpeth fixture.

There will be a BBQ for the Berwick game with the hope that the day will be very much family orientated

Women

18 August         Panthers vs Houghton             Home

TBC                      Skipton vs Panthers                   Away

Please check Park Social Media platforms for KO times and confirmation of the Skipton fixture.

ALL SUPPORT WOULD BE MOST WELCOME

On Sunday, 24 March, the Club’s Mini Rugby Section hosted the famous Stewart’s Melville RFC from Edinburgh at U9, U10 and U11 level. Head of Mini Rugby Lyndsey Langlands reports that the day saw over 200 Scottish visitors at Preston Avenue.

It was fantastic to see so many youngsters participating and a great day was had by all. The Mini and Junior sections are the life blood of the Club and so many players from our successful senior sides graduate through the junior sections which is a credit to all of the coaches and volunteers who make this possible. Thank you one and all.

FRANK HARDING

It is our sad duty to report that former Percy Park player Frank Harding died on Friday 12^th January 24. The following words are from his life-long friend and former team mate Ron Tennick:-

Frank was at West Moor School under the tutelage of Don Broughton (outside half at Park),and he played for the Percy Park Under 19s.

On leaving school he joined Proctor and Gamble for two years after which he went to Loughborough to study PE and maths. Whilst there he chose to come home and play for Park and was vice captain in the 66/67 season. 

At school Frank played hooker but we converted him to flanker along with Ian Nicholson. On leaving College he took up a teaching appointment in Northwood, Middx. and joined Wasps. 

In 1972 when I joined the staff at Twickenham I persuaded him to get involved in the England schools under 16s. Eventually he became a national selector, then Hon secretary and eventually Chairman. Very highly thought of in all those roles. He retired from teaching and settled in High Wycombe.

A keen golfer until 5 years ago when he started with various health problems until he passed away on 12th January. He is survived by his wife Cherry and his two children Jemma and Paul.

PERCY PARK RUGBY FOOTBALL CLUB LIMITED

COMPANY NUMBER 09552229

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a Meeting of the Directors will be held at the Clubhouse Preston Avenue North Shields Tyne and Wear at 6pm on Wednesday 29th July 2020 and the Annual General Meeting will be held in the Clubhouse on Wednesday 29^th July 2020 at 7.30pm. Please Note – These Meetings may still need to be held remotely and we will update in mid-July as to whether we can access our club.

AGENDA

• Apologies
• To receive and approve the Minutes of the AGM held on 31st July 2019 
• To receive the Accounts 
• To receive a report of the activities of the Club since 31^stJuly 2019
• To announce the election of the following officers in accordance with the procedure set out in the articles of the company

President: C. A. McDine