Northern Divison-Regional 2 North

Keswick RFC 28 v Percy Park RFC 43

Park recover from an elbow of a start.

On a smashing day for rugby Keswick was (literally) invaded by the travelling faithful. Reminiscent of a Northumbrian war band travelling deep into Cumbria searching for a troupe of castle rustlers; only on this occasion 5 points was the prize rather than a Viking brigand. Having said the Cumbrians struck the first blow as the faithful were charged four quid to park their horses! Not a great start and it got worse as Head Coach Ash Smith dislocated his right elbow attempting to recover a loosely thrown ball; launched toward him straight from the kick off. Whilst the player lay prostrate and clearly in pain, Keswick stole the bouncing ball to score in the corner. Duly converted, Percy Park were seven down before blinking an eyelash. With the game delayed by over 15 minutes whilst the unfortunate player was gently removed from the field to Carlisle General Hospital ,can’t rely on Ambulances these days, (apparently the waiting time was over 8 hours!) the faithful were hoping that we could find some Northumbrian grit and bounce back. A serious injury to a teammate can seriously affect the mindset of the players left to finish the game. Concern abounded all over the ground.

As Ash Smith was conveyed in a golden BMW chariot, Paul Spowart slipped into the fly half berth with Jamie Wrigley returning to his usual position at full back.

Percy Park struggled. The injury clearly had affected some and Keswick applied the pressure. Cometh the time and other on field leaders emerge. Former Captain Michael Langlands stood up and began to marshal the troops before leading us out of the red zone with a strong run loitering on the outside. Percy Park’s forwards took to the battle and lead by example. Having soaked up the pressure and beginning to dominate possession they gave a platform for Toby Davison to clear up field. A mighty kick toward Keswicks 5 metre line. Percy Parks first attack of the game. The line out did not go to plan so we went to the scrum. Although the ball was cleared the home sides scrum creaked.

Our experienced players were coming to the fore. The forwards provided another platform for Toby Davison to launch another kick dee into Keswick territory. This time the bounce of the ball was not clear cut. All looked to the touch judge who gave the decision the way of the black and white. This time the throw was good and Keswick took the catcher to the floor and were caught offside for good measure. Percy Park dominated the scrum. Keswick went backwards and after two phases Matty Atkinson got hold of the ball and blasted over the line for a good forwards try. The pack deserved it and the faithful hoped that would provide the team with the impetus to kick on. The try converted but the kick on failed to materialise.

Paul Spowart attempted to clear his line but in the doing kicked the ball to a speedy Keswick wing. A double up covering tackle from Thomas Moore and Matty Atkinson spared the blushes but the pressure stayed on. Keswick rolled with the ball eventually putting their outside centre into the top right hand corner. Lesson learnt don’t kick the ball to their attacking wing. Fortunately the conversion was missed. 12 to 7 the score.

Keswick didn’t let go. As Park carried Keswick held and steadily returned the ball to the away side. They were playing well. Park were eager to get off the line and were caught in front. A free ball was taken with a cross kick that Toby Davision collected on the mark. Attack extinguished but the penalty was dispatched for three points/ 15 7 to the home side.

Percy Park continued to dominate up front. A fact emphasized when Keswick were pushed off their own ball. The front five were clearly enjoying the contest. A contest that was slowly beginning to turn as our forward back smothered Keswick ingenuity. Unfortunately we could not say the same about our back line. Balls were not going to hand or were being thrown toward the floor breaking up momentum. One was cancelling out the other. Keswick sensed that they needed to keep the ball away from our pack and play from the back. Their wish to go quick was read by….Michael Langlands. Anticipating and collecting the intercept Michael extended his stride to purposely head toward the posts. The touch down won the race, with the conversion made, we were one point behind. 15 to 14 could that moment be the turnaround?

Park started to work hard over the ball with Seb Reece winning a hard earned penalty. The team decided to run it. Not surprisingly we dropped it. And not surprisingly we won the ball back in the scrum. Keswick folded going back quickly. The ball went down the line until Ross Young was unlawfully felled and we received the penalty shout. This time we took the shot and came away with three points. 15-17 and ahead for the first time.

Our passing along the line continued to be poor fortunately a forward, and that man Langlands, was on hand to gather out wide. A sharp pass inside to the supporting Toby Davison gave Park the open space. A deft tip to Ross Young allowed the field to open and the posts to beckon. Try given. Not bad from inside our 22. Were we waking up? 15 to 22 the score-line.

Keswick were well beaten in the forward area and their frustration became to show when a sharp and short melee erupted between the opposing packs. The referee went to the whistle and the Captains. Neither side received a slice of cheese.

Park’s game held to the positive and was let down by the reported negative. Especially when we did get possession in the middle and kicked the ball away. On one occasion we had the ball returned to us. Fortunately the chasing Keswick player ran out of playing field before he could touch the ball down.

Coach Andy Dunn started to run his bench. Eddie Saint came on for Mark Barry and Marc Cook for Aaron Smith. All forwards. If anything we became even more dominant in the pack. All following the team looked at the scoreboard and were mystified we weren’t further ahead. A forward pass and another forceful set piece gave Percy Park an attacking penalty which was dispatched down the line. The resulting catch and drive rumbled forward toward the try line. As the line beckoned players went to the ground with Dan Shuttleworth coming up with the pats on the head. It was only on the way home that the try scorer came forward to claim the notch. Apparently the ball should have gone back to Dan but Jonny Dubois had refused, very eloquently, to give him the ball. Score taken. Much hilarity on the bus. It’s amazing what a small glass of port can do to induce a tale or two!

Half time 15 points to 29.

Whatever team talk was had didn’t inspire either side. Of the two sides Park were worse, playing well within themselves. What ball we had we kicked away. Keswick’s inside centre was enjoying some good possession. Great defensive work from Jake Smith kept Keswick at bay. At least we continued to be dominant in the set piece. The more the game went on the more Keswick came back into it. This game began to have echoes of our second half performance away at Northern.

The faithful were not surprised when we were pinged in front of our posts. 18 to 29. Coach Andy Dunn wasn’t happy. We were asleep at the wheel. He was less impressed when our performance became so error ridden we let Keswick edge closer with another penalty taken from out wide. 21 to 29 with 15 minutes to go. It was becoming a race to the finish line.

For once from a set piece we didn’t run the ball lateral and for once Jamie Wrigley was able to collect coming onto the ball and he showed what he could do when decent attacking ball was given to him. Wrigley simply scythed through the Keswick defence with real strength and purpose straight under the posts. With the conversion we had a bit of real daylight.21 to 36. Didn’t last long.

We didn’t deal with the return well. A pass went to floor that Josh Hedley attempted to clear up before a team mate helped out taking the ball across our try line. Five metre scrum to Keswick. As we went forward the referee penalised the Park forwards for going early. Keswick scoring from the free kick. 28 to 36.

Andy Dunn rotated the front row bringing Aaron Smith back into the fray. Almost immediately a head collision brought the game to a halt. Two Keswick players were down alongside Dan Shuttleworth. The Park player regaining his feet to shrug off the knock. The stop in play seemed to affect the home side. Percy Park won another scrum against the head. Michael Langlands kept the ball at the back before releasing. Park went lateral and made a dogs dinner of the attack. Fortunately we came out of it the beneficiary of a knock on. This time Michael held the ball and trundled forward playing a neat game of football. With Keswick pedaling back to keep onside the ball was delivered to Seb Reece. This time our Captain strode forward to score a good set piece try. 28 to 43.

As the game closed Park took one final scrum against the head before kicking the ball into touch. Final score 28 to 43. A 5 point win but in our hearts we know we should have done much better. As the conversation flowed to the health of our esteemed head coach it was very apparent that many of our younger players had been affected by what was a nasty injury.

As players settled into post game mode, the bus ride home was fun with plenty of songs and wildly exaggerated feats of manly prowess. That buoyant mood was further enhanced with news that Ash was okay, although in pain, the dislocation had been reset. Best wishes were sent and the tales became even more grossly exaggerated.

Hopefully next week at home to South Shields Westoe Percy Park can get back to playing with real confidence and regain that little bit of balance between front and back that seems to have escaped them of late.

Many thanks to Keswick RFC for providing some photos especially the following acknowledging the author of this report. 

Representing Percy Park RFC

From 15: Jamie Wrigley, Toby Davison, Seb Reece, Thomas Moore, Ross Young, Ash Smith and Tom Robinson

From 8: Michael Langlands, Jake Smith, Jonny Dubois, Josh Hedley, Mark Barry, Matty Atkinson, Dan Shuttleworth and Aaron Smith

Finishers: Marc Cook, Eddie Saint and Paul Spowart.

Regional 2 North

Percy Park RFC 15 v Penrith RFC 31

A moment gives Penrith the game 

As the game kicked off our esteemed camera man mentioned ‘’ A wet one’’ and he wasn’t referring to an antibacterial wipe or a flushable Cottontelle cloth for those sensitive types amongst us; what he was referring to was the persistent drizzle and cloud that engulfed Preston Avenue creating a slippery liquid infused porous surface. And in the doing engendered difficult playing conditions to promote a game of free flowing rugby. And it is testament to both sides that they produced an enthralling contest for the observer. On the day Percy Park were beaten by the better side and can have no complaints about the result. Not that they played badly, they didn’t, it came down to the fact that we are competing at a higher standard and what came easy last year isn’t going to be the case this season. We need to adapt.

Supported by a large crowd brought together for a 150^th celebratory lunch Percy Park took to the hallowed ground repleasant in their new ‘North Shore’ branded kit with team sponsor Toby Davison prowling the full back berth. A two minute silence preceded kick off to recognise the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth ll. A moment taken by many to reflect on an extraordinary life and a remarkable monarch. Big boots for Charlie to fill. Fortunately he wasn’t around to nick my pen so at least I could pen some notes. Poor William wasn’t as lucky as he had to borrow one to sign the proclamation. If I was William I think I would be taking an inventory of all the goods at Buck palace!

It took 6 minutes for the home side to open the scoring. It was evident from the off that Percy Park’s front five had the edge over their Cumbrian rivals. The early pressure was all Park and when the Penrith ‘9’ was caught offside the black and white went for the top right corner. An assured lineout from hooker Dan Shuttleworth was taken by Jake Smith. With the ball brought to the back and safely into the hands of the Park hooker, Percy Park drove Penrith over the line. Dan Shuttleworth happily lying on top of the ball. The try was unconverted. 5-0 to the Tynesiders. A good start.

Securing the ball from the restart Penrith looked to attack both side and 12 channel. Following several phases the Penrith full back migrated over the field to create the overload. Matched against a Park prop, a neat step saw him scythe through the defensive line. Leaving our defensive winger grasping air. A ‘one on one’ pass made inside went onto the knee of a chasing Park player. The ball skittling forward across the slippery turf evading all hands before being launched into touch out of the back of the home side’s line. In that moment Penrith’s back division laid down a statement of real ability. The resulting 5 metre scrum was taken against the head further demonstrating Park’s advantage upfront. Was one going to cancel out the other? You had a feeling it was going to be close. The game going to the ‘nip and tuck’.

A series of Park errors allowed Penrith to camp in their half. Penrith’s inability to score was, in part, down to their failure to secure any meaningful possession from the set piece. Robust defensive work from the home side frustrated. When Park did break out some poor work at the back of the ruck saw the ball returned with gusto. On one occasion wing Ross Young doing very well to tidy up. Dropped high balls bounced out of hands. The weather was playing its part. The set piece went to Park but the game stayed in the middle.

From a promising attack the ball went to the knock on and an almighty Cumbrian boot put the ball just outside our 22. The kicker close to claiming the throw. An overthrow from Park put the home side under considerable pressure. Josh Hedley almost separated his rushing opponent in two, rewarding his side with a knock-on. The resulting exit was returned and Park remained under the cosh. Penrith were gradually edging the contest and it appeared to the home support that Penrith were close to scoring and opening their account. The fact that it didn’t take place until the 36^th minute and whilst Percy Park were reduced to 14 ,following a call on a tackle made by centre Thomas Moore, spoke volumes for the seasiders defensive organization. Jake Smith and Jonny Dubois were putting in some big hits. Matty Atkinson held up one over the line. It was all ‘in the trenches’ stuff.

Yet it was a try that could have been avoided. Seb Reece broke out. The player was brought to his knees, stood up and was penalised for double movement. Penrith took advantage of a quick penalty exploiting numbers and gaps, eventually rolling over the line in between the posts. An easy conversion followed by the half time whistle.

A tough blow for the home side.

On the half Mark Cook replaced Aaron Smith in the front row and immediately put in a stomping hit. A big kick downfield from Toby Davison cleared the restart gather. The ball was returned with an ‘up and under’. Two Park players went for the ball. The player running onto the ball was about to make the catch when he was levelled by his compatriot running full tilt from the side. An argument ensued in which sharp words could be heard from the sidelines. It was very apparent that neither player was wishing the other well. Not a good start. Despite best efforts the ball remained in Percy Park’s half until Andrew Walker created the ‘kick and chase’. The greasy surface favouring the attacking player as the Penrith full back failed to control the ball. A bit of football saw the contested rubber bounce into touch for a Penrith throw deep in the 22.

The throw was a poor one. The overthrow taken at the back by Matty Atkinson and quickly placed in the hands of Jonny Dubois. A strong run saw the ball recycled to Ross Young. Penrith held high and stripped the ball. Ash Smith gathered the exit and sped into and through the defence. Michael Langlands was on hand and carried the ball forward. Park were behind the defensive line causing Penrith some concern. The covering tackle from the opposite wing was good but the pass had gone. Just before the pass was received by a welcoming Park player the ball cannoned off the other covering winger. Park gathered the loose ball going with the scrum advantage. Although that advantage went it was all Percy Park. The home crowd moving, swaying with every run and bracing for every hit. It was enthralling stuff. The rain ceased and the crowd flowed to the railings encouraging their team forward. Only a ginormous nudge kept the home side out. Sadly the kick gave the ball to the away side. It was some effort and we were unable to clear our lines, landing a ball into the arms of Penrith’s attacking wing. Assisted by his scrum half, who blocked an attempted tackle, the player strode through several other attempts to score under the posts. A great run full of pace and power but the score shouldn’t have stood or have been made. Conversion taken 5 to 14. Harsh. From a good period we found ourselves 9 points down and needed a response.

Robin Houghton came on at scrum half and gave the ball to the forwards who trundled up field. We made good ground. Penrith tackled beyond the gain line and were penalised for being offside. The penalty in front of the posts. Duly taken. 8 points to 14 and the good response was had.

The game went to the nip and tuck. Josh Hedley was having a strong game. You knew that it would take a moment to break the contest and that moment came from Penrith. Park were found momentarily short on the stand side. Players were pulled over. Penrith backs found the Park front row and took the weaker shoulder, breaking through and avoiding a flailing arm. The cover was there but that moment had arrived. The player in possession took a quick look and made an audacious pass over his right shoulder to the supporting player. That player had ground to make. A race to the line was won by the Cumbrian before the tackle could be made. A good score and a great try warmly applauded by the home support. Conversion taken 8 points to 21.

Paul Spowart entered the fray at open side .The pack reshuffling. Percy Park went on the offensive, attempting to claw back points. That was until we were undone by a held ball, a dummy runner hiding another who picked up the offered ball. The collector disappearing through the line to score under the posts. A move straight off the training field. Penrith had points distance and celebrated with real noise and a team huddle. It was that kind of contest. Close and hard fought. Penrith were in the driving seat. We needed tries and we were running out of time.

Percy Park went back to the offensive with Robin Houghton and Ash Smith marshalling the forwards onwards. Paul Spowart giving the team a bit of pace. Actually I wasn’t totally sure where he was playing. But it was effective. Our forwards were carrying well and retaining the ball at the ruck.

The ‘pick and go’ took us to the try line. Penrith were reeling. We continued to punch forward with Matty Atkinson scoring the well-earned try by sniping over the line from close range. A minor suspicion of a double movement. Try given and converted. 15 to 28. We needed hands on the ball and the next score. Penrith achieved both as Park held on and were penalised in front of the posts. Penalty taken 15 to 31. Full time whistle blown.

No complaints about the result. On the day Penrith were that bit better. Having said the rematch will be well worth watching.

Representing Percy Park RFC:

From 15: Toby Davison, Andrew Walker, Seb Reece, Thomas Moore, Ross Young, Ash Smith and Tom Robinson

From 8: Michael Langlands, Jake Smith, Jonny Dubois, Josh Hedley, Marc Barry, Matty Atkinson, Dan Shuttleworth and Aaron Smith

Finishers: Mark Cook, Robin Houghton and Paul Spowart.

Regional 2 North

Northern RFC 22 v Percy Park RFC 26

First half points prove decisive as Northern strike back in the second.

Relieved faces on the travelling faithful said it all. From a 3 to 26 lead at the turn, Percy Park conspired to throw away all their hard work to allow Northern back into the contest and almost sneak the win. For the away supporter it was edge of the seat time as Park needlessly gave procession back to Northern allowing the City boys to run back ball with some aplomb. Fortunately Percy Park are made of sterner stuff and resolutely held their line as Northern ran out of minutes to influence the point distribution.

As post game conversation and analysis flowed, the neutral supporter commented on how good Percy Park were in the first period and how poor they were in the second. Park took to the new season with a flow that was eye catching and at times exciting to watch. Northern were catching air and despite their best endeavours to take the contest to the melee, found an opposition pack that were up for a bit of mingling. Park were good and at times very good; then came the second half. Scoring opportunities weren’t taken. Their kicking game failed to go to plan and all watched on as the fire gradually left our team. Perhaps the answer lies in the word momentum. The first score went to the home side. Park failed to keep the scoreboard ticking on. Northern scored again. The home crowd woke up and the Northern players found renewed energy as ours drifted away.

The fact that we held on to come away with the ‘5’ is testament of the characters we have playing in a black and white shirt.

The game started with an easy penalty shot to Northern and a big hit on Thomas Moore as he carried up field. The lost ball put Park under pressure. Northern contrived to drop the ball allowing Percy Park to exit their end. Moore took revenge by taking out three and as the ball spun, Howard Stock was over the Northern line to score an unconverted try.

As the ball returned to Park possession the away side went down the middle. The crash up attracting players to the ball before the release allowed Josh Hedley a trot over the line for Park’s second.

Park were in control and fly half Ash Smith was in imperious form. Northern were on the back foot and decided to go to the melee. Josh Hedley found himself pinned to the floor before his team mates came to aid and bodies tumbled to the floor. Words were spoken and handshakes made but you just knew the truce would fail to hold.

And so it proved as Northern made hits form the side or from offside positions. An obvious tactic to rattle the opposition and take the pace out of the game. A late hit on Matty Atkinson from an offside position gave Park the penalty. Down the line we went. Deep into the bottom right hand corner. Line out went well and as the ball went to the floor….we had another melee.

On this occasion referee Rikki Handa went to the pocket showing ‘the cheese’ to Jonny Dubois and Northern’s Sam Gaff. Dubois exiting the field with a torn shirt, reminiscent of the Incredible hulk, whilst the home player was given a sponge. The Northern bench blaming the black and white but you would not expect the City suits to say different.

Percy Park stayed on the front foot and within the Northern 22. Our forwards moving the Northern pack left and right. Ash Smith orchestrating the stack on the favoured side. Tom Robinson made the call to go, flashing the ball out to Ash Smith, with Toby Davison taking a sublime line to crash over and score. Try converted.19-3 to Percy Park.

Percy Park began to raise the bar with some scintillating rugby. League debutant Dan Shuttleworth ripping the ball away allowing our backs to flood into open spaces. On the overlap Toby Davison collecting down a narrow right hand channel. As the player cruised over the line to score the linesman’s flag went up for a foot in touch. That one handed action causing a watching Park individual to internally combust. As the volcano erupted, the referee was across and smoothed ruffled feathers before taking further objection to some harsh words spoken by an on field player, marching the away team back ‘10’. Feeling aggrieved at the decision Park responded in the best way possible by putting in some enormous hits and big scrums. Northern were at sea and from one such shove Ash Smith put Ross Young in for a well taken try.

3 points to 26 at the half.

Park started well but a kick through hit a Northern wall and cannoned back toward Percy Park territory. The rebound spawning a foot race toward our line. A pass out of the covering tackle was well taken as Northern crossed for the score. The conversion missed.

The away side wasted a number of chances to keep the score line ticking over in our favour. One penalty in front went to the line and not the posts. Although early in the half, it felt like a big moment. Percy Park suddenly, looked a little leggy as Northern began to upset our rhythm and turned the game into a scrappy affair with one or two moments off the ball and then the home side soon offered a timely reminder of the threat they carried. From a Park mistake Northern broke out of their half to score a converted try. 15 points to 26 and we return to that word momentum and it was swinging toward the home side.

Decisions from the man in the middle gave encouragement to that momentum. Northern began to stand up in the scrum and lie over the top of the ball without recourse. Howard Stock, Thomas Moore and Toby Davison helped their team to ‘get out of jail’ with fine individual defensive moments and when we did get our hands on the ball a poor kick would see the ball returned. We were under pressure and the Northern crowd from being subdued began to wake up.

Percy Park lost the influential Sam Digman to a head injury and had to reshuffle the pack. The scrum went with the ball but it was Percy Park’s decision making behind the scrum that allowed the pressure to remain. Northern took advantage scoring another converted try with 7 minutes to go.

With 4 points the difference we needed to keep the ball and kill the game. Losing balls in the tackle area or being caught offside didn’t help the nerves. Neither did the unpenalised crossing and unseen ‘knock-ons’. Or a Northern try ruled out in the corner for a foot in touch. Yet on the flip side what we saw from Park was a resolute determination not to give in, coupled with some well organised and disciplined defensive work. Karl Thompson, Josh Hedley, Matty Atkinson and Jake Smith marshalled by Michael Langlands put in some big hits. Captain Howard Stock was very vocal along the back line. Everybody played their part.

With time running out Northern tried to be expansive attacking the left hand channel. A big hit caused the knock on and scrum to Park. Last play called. From the side lines encouragement was given to the front row. Ball in and a neat shove had Northern on the back foot. With a clean pick up at the back scrum half Tom Robinson kicked the ball into touch securing a hard fought five point win. Relief all around from the black and white whilst the city men placed hands on knees.

Representing Percy Park RFC

From 15: Jamie Wrigley, Howard Stock, Toby Davison, Thomas Moore, Ross Young, Ash Smith and Tom Robinson

From 8: Michael Langlands, Leo Caulfield, Jonny Dubois, Josh Hedley, Karl Thompson, Matty Atkinson, Dan Shuttleworth and Sam Digman

Finishers: Aaron Smith, Jake Smith and Paul Spowart.

Northumberland County Plate Competition

Morpeth RFC Reivers 12 v Percy Park RFC Lions 32

Lions cross the bridge to defeat Reivers

The Lions travelled to Morpeth with a cobbled together side and big thanks to Ray Hill and Mark Jackson for stepping in at the last minute to provide front row cover. They welcomed the impressive Jay Bartoli who stepped up from Colts for his senior debut and impressed from start to finish.