WEST HARTLEPOOL STAGS 24 – 31 PERCY PARK LIONS

Park’s 2^nd XV win overshadowed the 1^st XV victory over near neighbours Northern, only by virtue of the fact that to the non-partisan observer, it could have been considered a shock result. The Lions were promoted to the Candy League Division 1 after winning Division 2 in style last season. The Stags won Division 1 in the same season without losing a game.

The Candy Leagues, so named because the aim was to attract sides from Cumbria, Northumberland, Durham and Yorkshire, is now mainly contested by Durham and Northumberland sides, but the single league has grown to two with club second XV’s taking part.

Park had lost both previous Candy games so far this season by only a single point, to Billingham Lions and Morpeth Reivers, and after they had conceded 19 quick unanswered points against the Stags realised the task ahead of them. The Park players dug deep and came back to level the scores at half time 19 – 19.

In the second period Park took the lead in a game which was eventually won with a bonus point 31 – 24, with tries coming from Matthew Ovington (2), Adam Fidler (2) and Kai Downey Stevenson. Conversions were by Paul Spowart (2) and Simon Greatham. There were also strong performances by Thomas Turnbull who captained the side, Jack Davidson, and Andy Dunn who played out of position at prop.  

Morpeth 28 – 13 Percy Park

Supporters, coaches and if they are honest, the players themselves would agree that this was arguably the worst team performance of the 1^st XV under the tenure of Coach James Ponton. Having played well last week in the opening league win against Billingham, most of the squad boarded a plane for Ibiza for Tony Dunn’s stag do, not returning until Thursday evening, and the haze under which they touched down at Newcastle was carried into the game on Saturday at Mitford Road.

 

The signs of under preparation were there for all to see as Park took to the field not in the accustomed black and white but in magenta strips, borrowed from the home side as the shirts had been left at Preston Avenue. The strips didn’t turn up until half time, some would say neither did the team.

Percy Park 23 – 17 Billingham

There couldn’t be a sterner test than to start a league campaign against a side having come down from the National Leagues, but that was Park’s fate, and they came through with flying colours after the visitors struck first inside the third minute.

In recent seasons, encounters between the two sides have been close, with Park generally dominating the forward battle and the Teesiders coming out ahead in the back division. However Park’s resurgence in the three quarters over the last couple of seasons promised a keener contest.

Park were without the influential Martin Shaw who has moved to Monaco to embark upon a new career, and Andy Dunn made himself unavailable so Jonny Dubois came in at hooker for his league debut.

Read more …Park start league campaign with a W

Darlington 7 - 46 Percy Park

Darlington II 10 - 51 Percy Park Lions

Percy Park journeyed to Darlington with exactly 30 players due to work holiday commitments but had enough to field two teams, winning both games. Zak Appleby-Rutter's fine display for the Lions last week earned himself a place in the 1st XV and scored his debut 1st XV try at that. Young Johnny Dubois who came in at hooker also looked at ease throughout.

Park's 8 1st XV tries came from Ali Blair (3), James Ponton,Zak Abbleyby-Rutter, Joe Wafer, Craig Firth. and Jack Davidson. Marcus Rutter converted 3.

Pick of the pack was Sean Williamson.