PERCY PARK 24 – 17 DURHAM CITY

A late City try, although fully deserved, made it look as though this was a close game, but in reality, Park had the upper hand from the off, and it was only Durham’s dogged determination that kept the home side from a comprehensive win.

Nevertheless, a bonus point win moves Park a point closer to West Hartlepool who sneaked an injury time try through Gareth Foreman, to deny Wheatley Hills a win in what appears to have been an ill tempered game through judging by the reports on the West web site.

Although the rain overnight, meant the pitch was bound to cut up a little, the surface was sound enough for running rugby with all 7 tries in the game coming through the three quarters. The kick off was delay by 10 minutes as City had some players and officials stuck at the new Tyne Tunnel crossing.

West Hartlepool 10 – 0 Percy Park

Percy Park suffered their first league defeat since November 2010 at the hands of second placed West Hartlepool, and so relinquished top spot. The signs were not good when sea gulls had to be chased off the West 1^st XV pitch and the rain which had fallen persistently over night never relented until half way through the first half. It was a shame for the ample crowd that conditions were so heavy under foot, as both sides are known for the fluid fast paced style of play, which was just impossible given the circumstances.

The cold and wet conditions meant the game was a dour forward orientated battle with conditions resembling the Somme towards the end of the game, and West just edged it with a try and conversion in the 75 minute. In an error strewn game, Park were awarded only 4 penalties, none in kickable positions.

Read more …West win at a muddy Brinkburn

CARLISLE 10 – 20 PERCY PARK

Due to the adverse winter weather, and game cancellations, this was the first time the two sides had faced each other this season. Last season honours were even with both sides winning at home, and although Park topped the table going into this game, they were under no illusions as to how tough this game was likely to be, and so it proved.

The torrential rain of the previous few days meant heavy conditions were the order of the day, although the sun did make an appearance before kick off, and the climate for supporters was not too bad for the time of year.

Percy Park kicked off with the sun low in their eyes and a slight breeze in their faces. Although by this league’s travelling commitments the journey to Warwick Road was not a long one, Park started sluggishly with the coach trip not out of their legs. The early possession was all in the home side favour, and they should have scored inside the first few minutes but for a miss directed pass in the midfield and Park were able to clear their lines.  Carlisle did score however a couple of minutes later when prop Martin Kalinowski went over in the corner after some good handling in the back line after a quick tap penalty. The visiting supporters felt the burly front rower had put a foot in touch, but as it was a Park touch judge on that side of the pitch could have no complaints when the flag stayed down. Fly half Grant Connon kicked the difficult conversion to take his side into an early 7 – 0 lead.

Percy Park 36 – 20 Team Northumbria

A 20 minute spell either side of half time was the difference between two sides who wanted to play open and expansive rugby. Team Northumbria, still smarting from their 20 – 3 defeat against Park at Bullocksteads earlier in the season, kicked off with a slight wind advantage, and showed their intent penning Park in their own half for most of the first 5 minutes. Showing their willingness to run, TN scored after 4 minutes when Adam McKenzie finished off a good move which saw Park run out of defenders wide on the right. Joe Rowntree was off target with his conversion.

Park regained their composure after a shaky start and a good run by Thomas Turnbull was halted inside the Northumbria 22. The ball was recycled, but the visitors in an attempt to close down the attack were offside in front of their posts giving Ash Smith the simplest of penalties, which normally he could have kicked blind folded. Surprisingly the kick went wide of the uprights and Team Northumbria were let off the hook.