Durham and Northumberland 1

Stockton RFC 20 v Percy Park RFC 65

Seven from Seven and Seven the difference

The number seven is the number of perfection and completeness. The foundation of the earth. It also symbolises authority over all creatures of the earth. That maybe a stretch this early in the season but what cannot be denied is that Percy Park have made a statement of intent and, to date, all comers have been dispatched. If I listen to the Presidential chatter you would believe that all things ‘Black and White’ have replaced the seven wonders of world and that the Colossus of Rhodes has been renamed as the Colossus of Hedley. Not only that but the chatter also has Player coach Ash Smith being named as the seventh son endowed with magical powers. As the faithful bask, credit goes to all our players who are reaping the reward of hours of hard work on the training ground and that effort was there to be seen as the team put in their best performance of the season to ruthlessly dispatch one of their rivals for the League crown.

Stockton started strongly and kept the ball as they played into a strong wind. Park had the advantage as a zephyr blew across the pitch. On 4 minutes Ash Smith settled nerves as he coolly slotted a penalty and from there Percy Park were in the driving seat and never let go of the wheel.

On 18 minutes the Colossus of Shields delivered a huge hit that many described as Thor’s hammer to turn over the ball. Park went wide with Captain Seb Reece scoring the first of (another) four in the left corner. A difficult kick missed. 8 nil to the visitors.

Resolute defence kept Stockton at bay forcing Fly half Stephen Jones to resort to the drop goal in an attempt to get his side on the board and gain some momentum. The response was immediate with Adam Hay diving to touch down. Ash Smith converting.3-15.

 

The game remained tight. A dominant scrum from Percy Park won a penalty in our own half .Tom Robinson decided to take a quick tap and passed to Ash Smith. Lack of communication found Smith being caught unawares dropping the ball and in the drop Park conceded a penalty for a ‘man in front’ playing the ball. Stockton kicked to corner and from a line out their 10 Stephen Jones scored a try close to the posts. 10-15 on 35 minutes.

It took Percy Park 3 minutes to answer. Pace and the offload destroyed a Stockton defence with Leo Caulfield being the man of that moment to score. Ash Smith converted. !0 points to 22 at half time.

The second half exploded into a maelstrom of points. From the kick off Seb Reece was the recipient of a barnstorming run by centre Thomas Moore. It was head down stuff as Moore headed to the try line. A brave tackle ceased the trajectory of the bouncing bomb short of the line. Even stopped the player still had the wit to offload to his captain for the score.

Next up was Sam Digman who was enjoying a lively and eye catching game in the front row. The pressure on Stockton was extreme. The hit and offload was destructive. The set piece was dominant. Stockton couldn’t get their hands on the ball. As they struggled frustration kicked in and their lack of focus resulted in a lack of energy. First up was Tom Robinson closely followed by Thomas Moore. As supporters we have always wanted to see a ruthless side to our teams play. We saw it here! 10-44

A defensive error resulted in a Tom Lloyd try for Stockton. A cross-field kick from Stephen Jones caught Ross Young on the hop. Catching the kick Lloyd sidestepped the cover defence to score. Stephen Jones tried a drop kick conversion to speed the game up and missed. Not sure why he did that maybe he was hoping to galvanise his side and use the score to drive onwards. What ever the thought Percy Park had another one. On 67 mins Ash Smith converted another try by Seb Reece. On 75 mins the impressive Paul Spowart converted an interception try by Tom Robertson. 15-58.

Percy Parks final try came from the hands of Seb Reece. His 4^th try two weeks in a row.  His achievement the result of superb support play. A consolation try at the death for Stockton could not dampen a master class of pace, power and skill from an embryonic side that is getting better and better as the season progresses. Lets hope that we continue upward. Its heady stuff. 20 point’s to 65 the final score.

Representing Percy Park RFC:

From 15: Paul Spowart, Howard Stock, Seb Reece, Thomas Moore, Ross Alexander Young, Ash Smith, and Tom Robinson.

From 8: Michael Langlands, Leo Caulfield, Andrew Dunn, Mark Barry, Josh Hedley, Marc Cook, Adam Hay and Sam Digman.

Finishers: Andrew Steinberg, Josh Lake and Andrew Walker.

 

Durham and Northumberland 1

Percy Park RFC 53 v South Shields Westoe RFC 17

Harsh watch for Haddock as Rees scores 4

 

As Westoe stalwart Stu Ashman strolled along the banks of the Percy Park’s first team pitch he cut a remarkable resemblance to Captain Haddock ,of ‘TinTin’ fame, and as the author dryly pointed out all that was missing from the scene was the Thompson Twins. On the saying the scribe was not disappointed as Percy Park Club President and his sidekick Don Millican popped up behind. The image was complete. The light hearted banter epitomized the enthusiasm that was abounding around Percy Park that afternoon. The Lions were playing out an entertaining game against a Westoe second string and our U12’s ,alongside their South Shields compatriots were filling the ground with excited chatter having enjoyed a game and eagerly awaiting being first team mascots and a guard of honour. Throw in much welcomed young people, with their families, following a very successful schools festival that week and you had an atmosphere that said much about Percy Park’s relationship with the game of rugby and their ability to bring together friendship, family and community. A heady undercurrent to a 1^st team game that promised much and delivered more.

A scruffy start put Percy Park on the back foot as a mis-field had Westoe moving the ball with pace and immediately threatening the line. Captain Seb Rees was on hand to take the ball over the threshold to prevent an opening score. The resulting scrum brought in a bit of ‘afters’ and with order restored Percy Park were able to clear their lines. We then had a period of fast frantic rugby that moved from end to end. The opening salvos saw two teams that were well matched. As the game opened Park took advantage of the space in the wide channel. Centre Thomas Moore took a good line and carved an opening. The chase was on. A clever offload found the wide and with real support Seb Rees finished an electric move to score his first. The resulting conversion matched the try as Ash Smith put in a sublime kick. 7-0

The second try was as good as the first. From a bobbling ball wing Kieran Sutherland ate the ground stretching the Westoe defence. Recycled ball saw Prop Matty Atkinson make good ground before Tom Robinson was able to whip the ball to his right, enabling the impressive Thomas Moore to float a long pass wide to a lurking Leo Caulfield. Power, Pace, Precision. Ash Smith was unlucky with the punt as his effort hit a post.12-0.

A penalty by Smith kept the scoreboard ticking over. Westoe weren’t panicking yet. Their set piece was good and they had ball to work with. The midfield was an area full of hard contact. Percy Park were enjoying the challenge. For the supporter it was a great watch. The ball was fizzing about. As Park went wide the Westoe full back was engaged and showed to all watching that he knew what he was about. A loose kick from Ash Smith gave Westoe the line out and they went to the middle. Some really strong running had the visitors crossing the gain line. As numbers were drawn in Westoe went wide with the visiting fly half working hard on the loop. Try converted 15-7.

It didn’t take long for Percy Park to respond. A penalty was given for the offside. 18-7.The game was physical on the floor. Westoe looked to tie in but Percy Park kept to the quick and were rewarded with a fine individual try from Seb Reece. Ball retained from the scrum Thomas Moore played a flat pass to his Captain. The angle of the run was razor sharp and once through a ‘step’ found the space and Rees had the gas to round the opposition. With the try converted 25-7 at the half.

As Park made use of the bench fresh legs kept the intensity of the game at the highest limit. Flanker Jake Smith was relishing the contest. South Shields born gave him dancing feet. Complete with headdress he spun out of the contact and saw the Tunnel exit to North Shields which he happily, and eagerly, ran to. Showing real pace, that zeal enabled the flanker to cross for the try…followed by a fist pump and a leap that had echoes of Swan Lake. His efforts raided a cheer and many smiles. It was a great effort. Conversion taken.32-7.

Westoe need something as the game was slipping like sand through an uncupped hand. And that moment arrived from the impressive 15 Ben Roberts. Park’s scrum looked good. As the gathering wheeled, Westoe’s 8 picked up and with a short pass Roberts was across the angle to round the covering defence. Conversion missed 32-12. Westoe were at the game. A missed tackle let the visitors through and it was only some good work at the scrum by Tom Robinson that prevented another score. Tackles were flying in as the game pulsated from end to end. As the players tired gaps became available and were taken.

Percy Park broke the contest with a rolling maul in the left hand corner. A high tackle advantage saw a ‘free ball’ lamely kicked at goal, yet the return to the penalty kick gave the lineout and eventual score. A short line out move was stopped by an infringement. Back to the lineout. Round two saw the gather and land. With ‘all and sundry’ piling in, the ball was forced over the line with Hooker Adam Hay receiving the plaudits. Adam got lost in there somewhere but still came up trumps. Conversion taken 39-12

To their credit Westoe responded with another Ben Roberts score. The missed conversion didn’t help the cause. At this point Percy Park were on top and a further two tries from Captain Seb Reece reinforced the point. A yellow card to the visiting team for a deliberate knock on compounded problems

As Captain Haddock huffed Michael Langlands was given the rest. With his head remaining in the heat of the contest a Percy Park coat felt the force of his ire at being removed. It was only when a considerate supporter presented him with a Snickers bar did our former Captain take a breath. With a sugar burst I was assured ‘le cuir a rasoir’ was extinguished.

As the game drew to its conclusion Percy Park were unlucky not to add to the score. A line break saw the Park forwards win the wrestle to secure the ball. With the ball given to Ash Smith, a clever cross kick bounced agonizingly into touch millimeters from the outstretched hand. Final score 53-17.

An absorbing contest. Westoe played well and their travelling committee were rightly happy that their team are emerging as a competitive force in this league....Percy Park were just that bit better.

The result capped a fine seven days for Percy Park. Our community programme, sponsored by Wade Financial, is in full swing and a number of young people that had taken part in a school rugby festival that week were present in their T-Shirts roaring their newly found club to victory. For many it was their first taste of a game of senior rugby and they loved it. Many a child was heard asking their parents to bring them to the club on a Sunday morning so they could take part.

 

Many thanks to South Shields Westoe RFC for bringing their Second and U12 teams across to Preston Avenue. Their presence helped to create a memorable Saturday afternoon. I know that the Westoe Second team really enjoyed their game with the contest dissected at length on the side line of the 1^st XV event. It was a pleasure to be the host and we look forward to the return.

A special mention to Westoe Coach Graeme Smith and his wife (Percy Park Mini Chair) Nicola for helping to organise the occasion. We are very appreciative of your efforts. And finally to Stu Ashman for all those years of putting up with Don and on the day having to endure endless TinTin jokes.

Representing Percy Park RFC:

From 15…Paul Spowart, Howard Stock, Seb Reece, Thomas Moore, Kieran Sutherland, Ash Smith and Tom Robinson.

From 8…Leo Caulfield, Jake Smith, Andrew Dunn, Karl Thompson, Michael Langlands, Marc Cook, Adam Hay and Matty Atkinson.

Finishers: Sam Digman, Josh Hedley and Nathan Coxon.

Durham and Northumberland 1

Northern RFC 8 v Percy Park RFC 28

Park more United than City

 

Thomas Moore continued his impressive introduction to 1^st team rugby with two scintillating tries as the boys from the ‘Tynemouth Fringe’ dispatched their City rivals by a comfortable score line. The Black and Whites deserved the plaudits, they had to work hard as Northern were never out of the game until the 66^th minute when Percy Park gained scoreboard distance. And it was Thomas Moore who broke Northern hearts and will…. that plus their line out which throughout the game was ‘pantalon’….a fact that was causing some discord on the City bench….and then there was a sparky discussion borne out of their frustration on the finer points of the scrummage…maybe on the day Percy Park were more United than City.

Northern were confident of the win and started the game impressively, putting Percy Park under pressure. An imposing hit by Thomas Moore in the centre laid down a statement that Percy Park weren’t there to be rolled over. Park remained resolute and would not be pushed back and as a consequence the first signs of the home sides frustration showed as the referee marched the home side back for some ill-timed lip. A well taken Ash Smith penalty rubbed salt into an opening wound. 3 nil to the visitors.

Percy Park started to dominate the scrum area with the Northern tight head struggling to contain as he was doubled up. He needed some help and it wasn’t forthcoming. That set piece stability allowed the ball to be recycled at pace and that in turn allowed centre Thomas Moore to break the line, bounce through a tackle and with real pace round the Northern full back to score in the far corner. Difficult kick in a freshening wind. Conversion missed 8 nil to the visitors.

The set piece continued to be taken by the team from the newly named estate agent driven Northumberland Park area of North Shields. In my day Shields was ‘Shields’, now in the time of inflated house prices ‘Shields’ has shrunk and Park are now based on the Tynemouth Fringe joined by too many southern voices, 50K (and more) on a price for a two bed and Retro clothing on the nearby Fish quay… many call it progress and it was progress Northern were making in the game. Rattled by the try Northern took the ball to the forward area and were doing well.

A rather fortunate decision benefitted Park as Northern were penalised for taking out the supporting player. A decision which eventually allowed Park possession culminating in another Ash Smith penalty. As the game went to the muscle Any Dunn won his wrestle as he wrenched free a ball hugged by a Northern forward. Dunn set off but he didn’t have the gas to outstrip and as a consequence moved the ball to the hand. Although the move broke down as the referee correctly adjudicated a forward pass Park transitioned quickly. Park were at it and as the Northern tight head folded once more, Ash Smith stepped up to take another 3 points. 14 nil.

Percy Park were playing well and taking the ball on the ground and at this stage you wondered where Northern could find a way back. A poor line out gifted Northern possession. The Percy Park line appeared rooted to the spot and failed to react. Northern passed along the line creating two over. Poor covering allowed the numerical advantage to hold and Northern were over for a try. The conversion was missed. The score galvanized Northern and the momentum in the game swung. Whatever had gone wrong in the scrummage was fixed. Park were penalised for wheeling at the scrum and just on the half the penalty was taken 14-8 at the turn.

As we set off for the second the momentum stayed with Northern. Park began to lose the scrum…..fortunately Northern’s line out didn’t improve…and as a consequence the set piece didn’t bring the visitors the clean ball enjoyed in the first half. Leo Caulfield was unlucky with a ‘chip and go’ and that failure to receive summed up this period. We endeavoured but what we tried didn’t quite come off. We were also losing the battle on the floor. Park had to dig in. Northern lost their fly half to an ankle injury and although their rhythm was effected….a good penalty chance was missed…Park were unable to wrestle back control. An Ash Smith chip over created an opportunity to transition but a fumble meant the chance was gone. As Northern pressed the line a ‘pick up’ too far saw a Northern player exposed enabling the strip. If they had made the right choice and gone wide Northern could have scored.

Percy Park began to use the bench with effect and with fresh legs tussled and jostled back a little bit of control. As the weather drew in Park’s passing went to soap and the authors notes went to the ‘sog’. Fortunately Northern’s line outs were still pantalon although they remained rooted in Percy Park’s defensive half.

Another fortunate decision benefitted Park as a good line and offload was given as forward. If the ref had thought it was good the Northern player was behind. That was followed by another piece of good fortune. A northern penalty was taken on the tap….well that was his intention….what the player used was his knee…that didn’t go down to well with the Northern bench!

We have already spoken about momentum….that penalty mistake…the forward pass….allowed Park to break out. An Ash Smith kick to the corner gave territory. Northern made a complete hash of a lineout giving the ball to Karl Thompson .Ball taken and Percy Park drove. Northern were on their heels and with ‘3 pick and goes’ prop Andrew Steinberg …. (Dear Steiners the author did remember and noted that the e.r.g is all important. Just remember to tell the vicar next week as you sign the marriage certificate) touched down. Conversion taken 21 -8.

During this period the away team lost Kieran Carpets to an ankle injury, enjoyed a fishing expedition from Coach Harrison and a little dance from Coach Langlands singing ‘I’ll be back’. Regrettably both gentlemen became a little camera shy and I was unable to record the moment. It is suffice to say they were happy people…notwithstanding poor Kieran who hobbled toward the bench!

Then came the moment. Within 3 minutes Percy Park had grappled the ball free allowing Smith to cross kick to a loaded back line. Wing Howard Stock gratefully received. Stock did really well evading the covering defence. The support was with him and a series of infield offloads put Thomas Moore in possession. The player still had a bit to do. Breaking from the full back he had sight of the posts and with a little fist pump picked up speed to score under the posts. It was a fantastic sweeping move that showcased Percy Park’s ability to transition from their own 22, at pace, to create scoring chances in opposition territory. The move raised a black and white cheer, more ear to ear grins and an audible red and white groan. Conversion taken 28-8.

The game had 10 to go, all Percy Park had to do was see it out. Player Coach Ash Smith decided his young protégés could see the game out without him as he took a yellow for holding back a Northern breakaway. Reality was he made a mess of the collect and decided that was a good time for a breather. As the game seemed to peter out the visitors produced another great piece of rugby. On the last play, and noting they were shorthanded, the forwards took a shortened line out and kept the ball. With real power they skittled Northern back over their line. Caulfield was in possession. Bonus point loomed… a 5 point victory…it was there…then…Leo dropped the ball as he went for the ground…whistle blown….28-8 the score….and as Leo left the pitch he gave the author one of those smiles he reserved for his mother after he had been caught with his hands in the Quality Street before Xmas day!

Percy Park deserved this win…and were congratulated warmly by the Northern coaching team…on two occasions they have travelled away to league leaders and won. Percy Park are a side in embryonic growth but they have something which bodes well for this season and beyond. Next up Westoe at home for another top of the table clash…it’s getting exciting!!

Representing Percy Park RFC

From 15…Paul Spowart, Howard Stock, Seb Reece, Thomas Moore, Kieran Sutherland, Ash Smith and Tom Robinson.

From 8…Leo Caulfield, Jake Smith, Andrew Dunn, Karl Thompson, Sam Digman, Aaron Smith, Adam Hay and Marc Cook.

Finishers: Andrew Steinberg, Josh Hedley and Stephen Turner.

Durham and Northumberland 1

Percy Park RFC 69 v Sunderland RFC 15

Ross, Reece and Stock avoid the jug

From the kick off Percy Park were out of the blocks so ‘fast and furious’ that the spectator was left conjuring up images of an illegal and unfair street race. Where Park were driving the Nissan R34 Sunderland were caught at the grid behind the wheel of Del Boys Reliant Robin. Eleven tries to two. In all honesty it could have been and should have been many more. Percy Park wing Ross Young had an afternoon to enjoy seeing plenty of ball in hand. He scored two sumptuous tries yet managed to trip, fall, slip, stumble and tumble to avoid scoring a third and in the doing buy that ‘jug’ for his team mates. How did he manage to do that? Well I guess we should ask Ross or our fly half Paul Spowart who definitely had a vocal opinion on that one subject. Then there was Howard Stock and Seb Reece....I reckon they had a little chat counted their pennies and decided that Club President Albi Durhin was better minted and conspired to pass the ball on!!

Sunderland took the kick and gave possession to the home side who proceeded to throw the ball to the left. League Debutante Tom Robinson ignited the octane fuel and was over in the corner. If you blinked you missed it. From the restart we almost did it again. Sunderland were reeling and never recovered. Jake Smith was next up followed by Howard Stock, assisted by a Josh Hedley rip that had his opposite player dangling in the air as he desperately tried to hang on to the ball. With a penalty awarded for and taken by the away side we were at 15-3 in minutes. Unfortunately Paul Spowart hadn’t brought his kicking boots and was unable to add to the scores gained by the home side. 15-3.

Percy Park’s next score was due to a piece of marvelous opportunism by scrum half Stephen Turner. A long throw in by Adam Hay had Leo Caulfield stretching up high. Unable to catch the ball he tapped down to a moving scrum half who flashed through the Sunderland line out and disappeared across the try line with a number of opposition players grasping and clutching air. Ash Smith took over the duty and duly converted 22-3.

Up to this point Percy Park’s defence had been really good. Opposition players taken to ground and a quick reset and away had the Sunderland team, in possession, going backwards. A drop in concentration perhaps gave Sunderland an intercept and for the first time we were under pressure and for the first time we saw that Sunderland had some good players in their back division. Only a great line out steal saw Park regain. Hesitancy at the break down allowed Stephen Turner to be caught in possession and the ball was turned. A strong passage of play saw Sunderland’s right wing enter the line on the left and some really good hands allowed the overload and a score in the corner. Del Boys Robin had been given a turbo. With the conversion missed 22-8.

Percy Park took the opportunity to rejig the personnel with Tom Robinson being given a run at scrum half. It took a little while for Park to respond to the Sunderland score. High pressure defence pushed Sunderland back before Seb Reece managed to get over the ball and force a penalty for holding on. Ash Smith slid a really nice kick into the flag and from the resulting line out on the five, Andy Dunn took advantage of a ball ‘off the top’ before cruising through a non-existent visiting defence. Conversion taken and we were in at the half 29-8.

Sunderland failed to find touch from behind the posts drop out dropping the ball into a welcoming black and white shirt. The ball was moved to the middle with a joining Ross Young at pace. Young carved a good line and scorching the turf with pace scored under the posts. Conversion made.36-8

Park seemed to lose their concentration. Leo Caulfield was attracting the referee’s attention being penalised on more than one occasion for going in at the side. Where we had the ball we ended up losing it.

A seat belt arm allowed Park back into get back into their rhythm. A long punt from Ash Smith saw Park secure their ball. Great hands allowed a sprightly Steven Turner, gracing the left wing, to creep into the corner. The conversion missed.41-8.

One or two missed opportunities were missed before a really solid scrum got Park away on the front foot. Ash Smith ran a nice line putting Ross Young in for an easy score. Conversion taken. 48-8

From the restart Park engineered a 2 v 1 and Howard Stock was able to score his second in the right corner. Maybe Howard would get the jug in.?...plenty of time to find out. A great conversion from Smith.55-8

Another solid scrum provided a platform for Park to attack. Ross Young scorched down his wing…Jug time!!...eh no…counting the loose change in his pocket he elected to pass the ball infield to a supporting Seb Reece. 62-8

Disciplined defensive work and boot from Ollie Stephenson gave the turnover. Again Reece supported and on this occasion found himself in acres of space. Seb simply picked up the ball and trotted over the line. Two for Reece…Jug time? Let’s wait and see….69-8.

Ross Young found himself in great space …you could see him eyeing that line….then a quiet word was whispered from behind…”Albi … Jugs”…and the afterburners appeared to come off .The tackle was made. Seb was put through and from his half the pitch was briefly open…again a quiet word was heard…”Albi … Jugs”…and the ball was not held…Howard was nowhere to be seen…or was he the supporting runner whispering “Albi…Jugs” to his younger team-mates.

In case we had forgot the Sunderland back line gave us a little reminder of their obvious ability. Having endured a torrid afternoon a loose ball was seized and a missed tackle was taken advantage of. A quick interchange brought the right wing deep into Park’s 22. The covering tackle was made but the offload inside was a delight. The supporting runner clapped at the opportunity running the ball under the posts. A well taken try. 69-15

As the game petered out Ross Young got his hands on the ball and passed on to Seb Reece who again heard those words…”Albi Jugs”…and the ball stuck. 69-15 the final score. The boys had avoided the jugs and Club President Durhin begrudgingly made his way to the bar muttering about giving Ross Young ‘Percy the Lion’ and arranging for his Rockcliff counterpart to organise the kidnap...similar to the Wallsend Duke as he wrested that poor stuffed animal from the careful watch of Andy Dunn….we have to ask …did Andy cough up the fine?.. The author promises to find out next week to allay the obvious desire for the reader of this imaginative written piece to know that answer

Percy Park played really well. Their attacking flair excites the neutral and supporter alike. They work as hard off the ball as they do on it…next week its West Hartlepool at home with a 3pm kick off…Can the boys continue their good form…guess you will have to be there to find out!!

Representing Percy Park RFC

From 15…Tom Robinson, Howard Stock, Seb Reece, Ash Smith, Ross Young, Paul Spowart and Steven Turner.

From 8…Leo Caulfield, Jake Smith, Andrew Dunn, Josh Hedley, Sam Digman, Andrew Steinburg, Adam Hay and Matty Atkinson.

Finishers: Marc Cook, Mark Barry and Ollie Stephenson.

Gateshead 2nds 14 v Percy Park Lions 48

Who shot Morsey?

A bruising encounter at Gateshead saw Percy Park come away with five injured players but also five bonus points. Park flew out of the blocks and an impressive run and dummy by Connor Rogerson opened the scoring after a minute. The score converted by Andrew Walker 7-0.

On 12 minutes Gateshead chipped through, Phil Morse spun to chase back but pulled up with an aging hamstring allowing Gateshead to score against the run of play.7-7. A dour struggle then ensued, territory dominated by Park but the spoiling in the loose by the opposition never provided the away team a go forward platform. It was not until 30 minutes into the game that some smart interplay by Park saw skipper Joe Cassidy go over. The points added to by Andrew Walker 14-7.

The spoiling continued, Gateshead infringed again. On this occasion Percy Park elected for goal. The attempt made by Walker 17-7 at the

Some stern words in the camp saw a refreshed Lions team in the second half. The forwards kept it tight, made some front row adjustments and Walker resorted to tactical kicks pinning the home side down in their own 22. The pressured game brought dividends as Connor Rogerson went over again on 48 and then 52 mins both duly converted by Walker 31-7. But Park were taking injuries and were down to 14 necessitating Coach Dean Harrison to enter the fray to make up the numbers. Harrison created an impressive impact on the game. 62 minutes in and he was over the whitewash himself. The kick was missed kick missed. 36-7 to Park.

Gateshead rallied as Park slept and went over themselves for a converted try 36-14. Under the posts Percy Park exchanged some harsh words responding in the best way possible with some great interplay. A passage of play that saw Coach Harrison over for his second on 72 minutes. 41-14 Park.

Despite a spirited performance from the home team Park had their tails up and more good work in the loose saw the impressive Karl Thompson go over. His efforts converted from the touchline by Andrew Walker final score 48-14. 

A physical day on the paddock saw colt Cameron Young and second row Jamie Guthrie pick up injuries. I'm also told that Gateshead Police are still looking for the sniper who short Morsey!    Berwick away next week.