Northumberland Senior Cup

Alnwick RFC 39 v Percy Park RFC 5

Haggies streak inspires Park’s only score.

Constant drizzle, bad light, a wet lens, a soggy match report and the loss of my favourite peaked cap were put aside as Adam Hay illuminated Greensfield with an audacious line out move that saw our hooker strip off his clothes as he streaked toward the Alnwick try line. The player was almost down to the ‘shreddies’ before Leo Caulfield popped up in support to spare the blushes and finish the move. The score being Percy Park’s only notch on the night.

Percy Park registering 5 points is testament to a very good Alnwick side. Our country cousins sit mid table at Level 5 and show cased that deserved league placing throughout the game. They starved Percy Park of the ball and moved our black and whites from right to left. Although we were on the back foot we did exhibit moments that demonstrated that, we too, are capable of competing at a higher level. Our defensive set was good and when we did get the ball we looked dangerous. Many of Alnwick’s scores came from our own mistakes which unfortunately exaggerated the score board. Carrying high against Acklam or Novos might result in a break but alas Alnwick punished us by ripping the ball when we looked good in possession. As we continue our trajectory upward this was just the game Percy Park needed to demonstrate how far we still need to go to fulfill our own league aspirations. The work might be done this season, with the gloss still to be attained, but for our young side this defeat should ‘whet the appetite’ for contests to come.

The opening salvos were fierce and it was Percy Park who were a fingernail away from the first score. Scrum half Robin Houghton was unlucky not to intercept a flipped ball off the top of an Alnwick line out. If he hadn’t chewed his nails he could have been in for the first score. Affronted the Alnwick 15 gave Percy Park their first warning as he skipped through the defensive wall. He too coming close and all the above occurring in the first two minutes. Still there wasn’t time to catch the breath as Alnwick kept pressing. August tackles in the midfield from Paul Spowart and Leo Caulfield but the brakes on as Alnwick ‘picked low and went’. Placing Park near to their try line. Impressive defense from Park and last ditch tackles from Howard Stock and Ross Young kept the thumb in the dam, but it was all about the constant pressure with Alnwick eventually scoring in the top right hand corner. The conversion was missed. 5 nil to the home side. Five minutes played.

From the re start it was all Alnwick. As the home side took the ball to the ruck they went for the hammer constantly going through the phases knocking Percy Park back beyond the gain line. The Alnwick forwards were relentless. Their back row was very mobile.

Fine margins as Paul Spowart dropped the ball in contact. An ‘Ice’ in a ruck gave Park possession only to see that slip away in the next breakdown. Ash Smith dropped the ball in fading light. Our scrum went backwards. All the little things added up to the inability to get out of our half. On the plus side we were hitting well and there was plenty of chat.

On 24 minutes Alnwick made the break through. A forward move had the home side mauling to the line. A Percy Park grip fell away and the opposition rolled away and over the line. Conversion taken 12-0

Andy Dunn took Percy Park for a rare foray into the Alnwick half. Up to the 22 before we lost possession and headed back whence we came. Alnwick were quick onto the ball. Jake Smith was unlucky with a short pass that didn’t go.

Our front row received the wrath of the referee as we penalised for pulling down. Penalty in kicking distance. Taken 15 nil.

From the kick off Alnwick were penalised for crossing. Ash went for the kick taking the away side beyond the home side 22 for the first time in the game. We came straight back whence we came. Jamie Wrigley was caught at full back from a rush attacking back line. A forward pass lost possession and on our ‘put in’ we couldn’t get the ball ‘out of the back’ quick enough to make a difference. Still we held on with some really good defensive sets and Alnwick knew they were in a physical contest. That fact was manifested by a drop goal attempt that dropped marginally short.

Percy Park endeavored to get out of their half but almost on the half time whistle Jamie Wrigley was caught holding on as Alnwick once again expressed their desire to get over the ball quickly. Their fitness levels were more than impressive. Shot taken. 18 nil at the half. Both teams into the changing rooms.

The early exchanges were in Park’s 22 and Percy Park ran the bench. Fresh legs gave us an impetus and we had our ‘purple patch’ in the game. A free ball gave Ash Smith the chance to chip over the rush defense. Although the attempt came to naught the line out did. A short throw saw Adam Hay launch his legs along the line in acres of space. The ‘whoopee’ could be heard as he went to the streak. Alnwick scrambled but Leo Caulfield was there in support to assist and make the score. And in the doing a Tyneside roar was heard along the Aln Valley. Great try. Conversion was missed. 18 to 5. Akin to our ancestors nicking a few cows before heading back to the Tine.

Sam Digman went off for some TLC from ‘our’ Caroline. As he did so the response from Alnwick was immediate. Although in possession Park carried high and were stripped of the ball. The ball was moved to the right corner where the score was made, despite the valiant efforts of Ross Young. 25 to 5.

We were stripped again and in our attempts to regain we were caught offside. Alnwick’s 10 kicked the ball down the line. Despite a Ross Young tackle the follow up was that quick we had no time to get onto the ball. A nudge deep into our 22 had Michael Langlands scrambling across. The Alnwick 10 was in his ‘arm chair’ and moving our team around the pitch. With dominance in the scrum we were hanging on. With the scrum being walked back the ball came out and the ‘up and coming’ Alnwick hope, Jack O’Regan, came off the wing to go under the posts for a great team try. 32-5.

Percy Park were stripped once more and the ball was returned high under the lights. Jamie Wrigley did well to collect but there was no time to counter as Alnwick pressed the collect.

Robin Houghton and Seb Reece went off. Park ran the bench, rolling personnel on and off. Then came the try of the game at the hands of Alnwick’s Pete Moralee. A midfield tackle opened up space which Moralee took. Taking the grass he created a ‘2 on 1’ with his fly half. Exchange and they were over leaving the Park defender with no real hope of preventing the score. 39 to 5. Quick as a flash.

Alnwick ran their bench and the game fizzled out. A Pete Basara solo raid into the Alnwick half had the away support on their feet. The front rows had a flare up which quickly involved both packs with an Alnwick forward finding himself taking a seat outside of the melee. Once settled Alnwick responded in kind and walked us back. A few dropped balls lost us possession.

The nearest we came to another score in the game was an almighty Alnwick boot that had Jamie Wrigley collecting deep. The chase or follow up was a great example of rugby acumen. Three players bore down, squeezing Jamie to the corner, where the only option was to move onto his right foot and put the ball into touch. Even his angle was marginalized to ensure that no distance could be gained. Great to watch. As we dealt with the lineout the referee went to the whistle and brought the tie to its conclusion. Final Score 39 to 5

Not to be too down hearted, Ponteland away this Saturday coming should (hopefully) give Percy Park the Durham and Northumberland 1 Title. Let’s see if we can make our support turn the ‘Sports Ground’ into Preston Avenue and see our team across the line.

On a final note…and on behalf of Percy Park RFC …many many thanks to all our supporters who travelled ‘up North’ to watch the black and whites at Alnwick. It is great to see so many true fans because that’s what we are ‘fans’, despite constant drizzle, bad light, a wet lens, a soggy match report and the loss of my favourite peaked cap.

Representing Percy Park RFC:

From 8: Leo Caulfield, Jake Smith, Andrew Dunn, Michael Langlands, Josh Hedley, Andrew Steinberg, Adam Hay and Sam Digman

From 15: Jamie Wrigley, Howard Stock, Seb Reece, Paul Spowart, Ross Young, Ash Smith, and Robin Houghton

Finishers: Pete Basara, Karl Thompson, Mark Barry, Cameron Young, Andrew Walker and Ollie Stephenson.

Durham and Northumberland 1

Percy Park RFC 84 v Horden and Peterlee RUFC 14

Ballerina Young noses Percy Park closer to the title

With three games to go Percy Park’s last home contest of the season was all about points. Although Northern remain a few accumulated digits adrift, they remain our only realistic challenger. Park needed a 5-point win to ensure they remained ahead in the race to the line. It’s a bit like a horse gallop…win with a 5-point haul and we might win the accolade by a furlough. A lesser accumulation and we might only win by a nose. And as the author has one of the biggest noses around, I certainly didn’t fancy being wheeled out from the stands to give us an unassailable advantage in a ‘nose off’. Many might remember our away trip to West Leeds where the fixture was decided in the bar post-match in a ‘club nose off’. It was a close call (we won by a millimeter) with the points coming home to Preston Avenue. The thought that Northern might find a supporter with a bigger nose drove the our beloved black and whites into a high-octane warm-up session that saw Thomas Moore lost to the game with a sprained ankle. The attitude bar was high and Percy Park set away at their Durham opponents with gusto.

A knock on from the kick off reflected the eagerness to take the fight to the opposition. The resulting scrummage was disrupted by a wily Horden and Peterlee front row who would not set straight; frustrating all including the referee. Concern that Horden could take the sting out of the start was soon put to bed as Ross Young crossed after 8 minutes. The scrum set straight. We went to quick ball and scored. Fair play to Horden they knew what they were doing. Four minutes later Ash Smith weaved his way through. On this occasion he converted. 12 nil after 12.

Horden were on the back foot. Percy Park were running some great lines. Sam Digman went on the angle at pace drawing in defenders. The recycled ball ending up in the scoring hands of Jake Smith, who wasn’t quiet in letting all know on Tynemouth beach that he had scored Park’s third. The bonus try came on the 20-minute mark as Captain Seb Reece became the beneficiary of a score as the home team methodically played out of their 22. 26 nil.

Horden had arrived with real intent to make life as difficult as they could for the home side. They were defending well and when they did get their hands on the ball, they kept the same in the middle area utilising the pick and go. Their mantra appeared to be ‘ If Park cant get the ball they cant score’. The home side made their tackles and remained patient looking for giveaway ball or the opportunity to steal. Their eagerness in the line out received criticism from the referee as he penalised Percy Park for closing the gap. The line out was reminiscent of a London tube at rush hour. A collective shove to squeeze into a gap that really wasn’t there. The call not to close the gap could have been replaced by ‘mind the doors’. Penalties rightly given and Horden went to keep ball and were rewarded with a try on 27 minutes as they finally got over the try line.

Percy Parks response was with affront. The home side were unlucky to be brought back for truck and trailer as the Horden line loomed large. Once the referee managed to get the scrum to go straight Park used the platform to launch quick ball from the impressive and upcoming Cam Young. The bombardment onto the Horden line was relentless with Andrew Dunn and then Jake Smith on the angle making sure that the scoreboard kept ticking over. 40 points to 7.

From the re start Horden collected the ball and were given the advantage as Percy Park’s ‘13’ was adjudged to be offside. With the cushion of ball retention Horden went to their game plan and ‘stuck it up the jumper’ Constant ‘pick and go’ brought them to the line and although Parks defence was good, to their credit, Horden did not relinquish possession as they went through the phases. Despite being held short on three occasions they managed to get the tip of the ball onto the whitewash. Sufficient for the referee to call ‘try’. Conversion taken. 40 to 14 at half time.

At the restart the game went to the scrum with the man in the middle ordering the Horden and Peterlee front row to square up. With ball secured and Horden penalised for holding on Michael Langlands was unlucky to be held up with a good hit that knocked the ball backwards. Fortunately, Matty Atkinson was on hand and in a good supporting position to gather the ball and take it over the line. 47-14

Horden went back to the dark arts. You have to admire them Horden never gave up and they did everything they could to disrupt the flow of the game. Percy Park were penalised for turning in at the scrum and Andrew Dun was held on the floor creating a gap in the defensive line. A little back chat had Percy Park marched back 10 metres or more and as a consequence Horden went to keep ball. On this occasion Park had learned not to let their opposition go to the floor. Once held up, Matty Atkinson ripped the ball, allowing Parks back line to set Ross Young marauding into the Horden half. A no arms tackle stopped the young winger in his tracks as the line beckoned. Penalty try awarded.54-14 the score.

Horden visibly tired. The pick and go strength sapping as Park resolutely put them back. A loose ball was seized from the kick off. With possession Captain Seb Reece bludgeoned through into space leaving many behind to score under the posts. 61-14

Percy Park ran the bench. Fresh legs gave further energy to a home side who dismantled the opposition. First up was the returning Jamie Wrigley closely followed by Howard Stock. It was great to see Jamie back playing since he received that nasty injury during our first home game of the season. Hopefully he can enjoy the remaining games and with a good pre-season under his belt return stronger and better for our return to Level 6 rugby.

Sandwiched between the scores the referee was still having problems managing the front row. Even with a change of personnel the same issues resurfaced. Andrew Walker replaced Cam Young at scrum half and immediately fell foul of the referee as he eagerly hunted down his opposite number. He soon redeemed himself as he vocally marshalled his forward pack with great effect and skill.

With Howard Stock finishing a lightening attack the score rattled up to the 73-point mark. Percy Park didn’t sit back. The ruthless streak they have adopted resurfaced and they went for the emphatic. Andrew Dunn collected and deftly put Ross Young into a margin of space. Pace and strength, plus the grace of a ballerina, allowed him to dance through a gap that really wasn’t there. A point echoed by a frustrated Horden player who was heard to shout ‘ ‘How did he get through there’. A great individual effort.

The best try was held back for the last of the day. Sound marshalling by Andrew Walker ensured the forwards turned over ball. Then we were off. Pace and support, plus an classy pass from hooker Adam Hay, had Jamie Wrigley hunting the ball until he got the sphere in his mits. Then it was goodnight as he powered through toward the try line. A superb team try from start to finish. Final score 87-14.

Gathering the bonus point win, whilst amassing 13 tries with an impressive conversion rate, Ash Smith has led his blossoming team to a strong position at the top of the Durham and Northumberland League 1 table. With Northern being awarded a 5-point haul for a walk over, Percy Park still need to secure bonus points away to Ponteland to mathematically secure the trophy. Surely now there will be no need for a nose off…mind I am pretty confident we would have edged that contest.

Next up is Alnwick RFC away in the Northumberland Senior Cup on Thursday evening. Awaiting are Novocastrians. I hope to see you all there to encourage our team to victory over our Level 5 friends in blue and gold.

Representing Percy Park RFC:

From 8: Leo Caulfield, Jake Smith, Andrew Dunn, Mark Barry, Karl Thompson, Matty Atkinson, Adam Hay and Sam Digman

From 15: Jamie Wrigley, Howard Stock, Seb Reece, Paul Spowart, Ross Young, Ash Smith and Cameron Young

Finishers: Andrew Steinberg, Andrew Walker and Michael Langlands.

Durham and Northumberland 1

Percy Park RFC 66 v Aspatria RFC 7

Percy Park RFC 124 v Acklam RUFC 5

Points amassed are the Tale of two games

One hundred and Ninety points to twelve against over 160 minutes of Rugby is a headline in itself and it’s easy to get carried away in the differential. What we love about our team is that they are ruthless in the execution yet magnanimous in the victory. For the observing faithful it appears as if we have finally learnt to play to our game to the '80' and not fall into the trap of dropping the level of performance. Many of our players grew up with T.T.B and that concept is being put into practice with some aplomb. They have also learnt to be benevolent in victory. Both Aspatria and Acklam travelled light with the Acklam coach knocking on doors on Saturday morning to get players out to play. Many having just played the night before in an over 35’s game. Both teams fulfilled the fixture when others might have made an excuse…they have our respect and thanks. It is what the game is all about and that spirit was rewarded as our players showed great hospitality with many a handshake and the sharing of copious amounts of beverage. Both visiting teams departed Preston Avenue knowing they had been well looked after and acknowledged that our Percy Park team has a little bit of ‘elan’ and 'panache' these days. A style that should hold well in the new Level 6 leagues next season. They wished us well. Promotion is assured; yet the title is not. As we enter the home straight we need to embrace the ruthless and make sure we don’t stumble at the last.

The game against Aspatria started with a roar as Ross Young flew through the defence deep into the 22. The forwards providing the platform for the backs to probe and harry. Penalty against and Park went to the line out. A catch and drive and Park were over for the score. The try took minutes in comparison it took 25 seconds for Park to register their first score against Acklam with Seb Reece providing the finish to an explosive start.

Aspatria responded well with some strong incursions into Park territory. Acklam did not. After 2 minutes Tom Moore was over followed by Paul Spowart after 8. Aspatria held out but were undone as the Park forwards drove into the 22 allowing scrum half Tom Robinson to set Tom Moore on the arc to deliver the scoring pass to wing Kieran Sutherland. Acklam imploded with Seb Reece giving Percy Park the bonus after 9 minutes. On the 12 Percy Park were 14 nil up against Aspatria and 28 nil to the good against Acklam. Heady stuff.

The Aspatria game became competitive. The Cumbrian forwards were making a nuisance of themselves with some strong forays. A misplaced pass failed to go to hand. They could have been in. Percy Park were missing opportunities. A marginal forward pass brought Leo Caulfield back and a dropped ball in the tackle prevented Howard Stock from scoring. Acklam didn’t receive that kind of fortune as everything Park did resulted in a score. Next over was Matty Atkinson, a strip and a 60 yard carry (more like 4 but it was defo 60 in the bar afterwards). Tom Robinson quickly followed with a darting run, closely followed by Seb Reece on the interception. 49 nil in the blink of an eye. After 27 minutes Tom Moore had scored to take Percy Park over the 50. Whereas Acklam were at sea Aspatria were putting up a fight.

Aspatria were dogged on their line and as Park harried hooker Adam Hay was adjudged to be held up on a catch and drive. Stern words from the referee as Adam protested he had the ball well tucked under. He had a point but so did the ref. He didn’t see it. Aspatria went to the clearance from behind the posts scooting the ball into the welcoming black and white arms. A deft pass saw Howard Stock collect and outstrip the defence for the try. Conversion was missed 19 nil with 12 left in the half. Aspatria were playing well. Parity in the scrum and a useful lineout were allowing them a platform. Steady progress up the field was being made. An Aspatria line out just outside the 22 looked promising until Jake Smith was flung up and with a fingertip flip the ball was back in Park hands and the resulting counter attack was breathless. Ross Young entered the back line offering the extra man. He wriggled free and with Seb Reese on hand to finish we went from throw to score in a flash. Great try.26 nil at half time.

The position Acklam  found themselves in was not as kind. As the half approached Percy Park rang the changes. Introducing Cam Young at scrum half (proud day for his Dad Alan who was a fine adversary when he played at Northern), Sam Leeds on the flank and Michael Birkett back into the front row. The changes didn’t affect the rate of scoring as Tom Robinson and then Adam Hay notched. 68 nil at the turnaround and Acklam were wondering what the second half punishment could be.

They didn’t have long to wait as Seb Reece benefitted from a Ross Young surge. Got to be there to finish! 75 nil. Tom Robinson was at it again this time from our 22. 82 nil. Tom Moore pushed it on to 89 nil and the referee went to the Acklam coach. A collective refusal to call the game was made by coach and player alike. They wouldn’t give in and as they did so the Faithful responded wishing them a score. A quality tackle from the Acklam 17 revived spirits and they competed. The scoring continued but the Acklam team would not let their heads go down. From a good scrum Howard Stock was in followed by Tom Moore and another from Seb Reece benefitting from fine work from Ross Young. 110 to nil.

As Acklam were conceding Aspatria were ruthlessly dispatched in the second period of their game with the hosts.

Aspatria started well with their big lock forward making ground at the side of a ruck. Poorly defended he went on the inside and used his bulk to score. An easy conversion took the score to 26-7. And that was the only time Aspatria got close to adding to that score.

Park were immediate in the response. Kicking to Aspatria they collected man and ball and drove down into the 22. The Aspatria centre was caught offside and with advantage Adam Hay and Matty Atkinson hammered the line dragging in defenders, Tom Robinson seeing the space went wide for Leo Caulfield to fend off the defenders attentions to score a good try. The kick off gave the ball to Park. Fine work from Jake Smith and we were off on the right side to score under the posts. Lightning fast. The beneficiary being…you guessed it Captain Seb Reece. Got to be there to finish it! Again from the kick off Park received and from scrappy ball Seb Reece ran the length of the pitch to score another. A fine solo try that showed strength and pace. The touch down good despite the attentions of the covering player. Ash Smith was slotting the conversions. 47-7.

What Seb could do against Aspatria forward Karl Thompson could do against Acklam! With scrappy ball the player collected and punching through the line found himself in space. A collective shout from the crowd and the player finding himself in unusual and unchartered waters sprinted to the line. He was roared on by the crowd. Showing good pace Karl Thompson touched down to rousing acclaim. What Seb could do Karl could do better. At least a friendly discussion in the bar could be had. Karl’s try was followed up by a great chip and catch from Ash Smith. 124 points to nil.

Stung the Acklam forwards muscled into Park and Leo Caulfield drew a yellow. With a man advantage, time running out and with the Park faithful willing them over, Acklam found the space and the want to go over for a try. Unfortunately the conversion was missed and the game ended at 124 points to 5 and our players taking their Teeside combatants across to the beer trailer for a pint or two.

The Acklam game ended with a score for the visitors Aspatria weren’t so well blessed. Park were ruthless and kept their ‘foot on the pedal’. From a dodgy (Aspatria) line out they tried to go down the line. Some poor passing was quickly taken by Seb Reece who intercepted and took off. Try scored. Conversion taken. From the kick off, a strange and harsh call gave Aspatria a penalty, when it looked as if Leo Caulfield had been cleaned out in the air. Park penalised for changing their line as they ran back to cover the receiver. From the resulting scrum Aspatria made headway and Park held out. A Mark Barry steal gave us momentum and a clearance up the pitch was harassed by Howard Stock. A counter ruck gave possession. Only a tap tackle preventing a score.

A Jake Smith clear out allowed the pass to Adam Hay who in turn slipped the pass to the supporting Matty Atkinson. The player neatly bypassing all to score near to the posts. The conversion was missed. The lack of the penalty following the midair Caulfield take was causing Percy Park some consternation. That dismay turned into Park’s favour as they seemed to have gained an extra yard. Aggressive play broke the line and Ash Smith ripped through onto a 2 v 1 dragging the defending player right Smith passed left and found the supporting Paul Spowart Paulcrossing with a flourish for the final score of the day. 66-7 the result.

Four games remain in the race for the title, Next week we are away to Hartlepool Rovers, followed by the final home game of the season against Horden and Peterlee. Northern are still in the frame and with the Westoe game still on the ‘TBA’ it could be that the ‘clincher’ is a game away against Ponteland. Hold tight there is a lot still to play for!

Mind even with the joy there are still some who are hard to please. I guess we will just have to try harder

Representing Percy Park RFC v Aspatria:

From 15: Paul Spowart, Kieran Sutherland, Seb Reece, Howard Stock, Ross Young, Ash Smith and Tom Robinson

From8: Leo Caulfield, Jake Smith, Andrew Dunn, Mark Barry, Karl Thompson, Matty Atkinson, Adam Hay and Sam Digman

Finishers: Andrew Steinberg, Ollie Stephenson and Thomas Moore.

Representing Percy Park RFC v Acklam:

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

From8: Leo Caulfield, Jake Smith, Andrew Dunn, Mark Barry, Karl Thompson, Andrew Steinberg, Adam Hay and Matty Atkinson

Finishers: Michael Birkett, Sam Leeds and Cameron Young.

Durham and Northumberland 1

Whitley Bay Rockcliff RFC v Percy Park RFC

Bicentennial Smith guides Park to victory.

A pre match sit down with a gathering of old friends, young and old, coupled with a healthy dose of nostalgia and history, created a marvellous atmosphere of anticipation, for what is one Northumberland Rugby’s oldest fixtures. When both sides are on form there is no better derby ‘ding dong’ in the North East and what we got was all of that. Two red cards, verbal spats, no quarter tackles and a wrestle to see who would ultimately prevail. It was an absorbing encounter refereed by a gentlemen from London who was amazed to see the two players he carded share a laugh, a handshake, and a cuddle after they departed the pitch. It is Park versus Rockcliff after all and that’s what happens. Worst of enemies on the green, best of friends off it. And as the said referee stood in the bar conversing with all post game he admitted that he had really loved his afternoon and it was well worth the trip up from the big city.

The home side deserved more out of the encounter they played really well. Park were off the pace and almost got caught out, but that is what derby rugby does; the match day buildup of expectation and excitement for the player ensures that nobody can quite predict how it will turn out.

It was also fitting that the fixture saw player coach Ash Smith surpass the 200 point mark for his boyhood club. It is quite the achievement. An achievement that will remain in the thoughts and history books. Yet Smith needed all those skills learnt on the playing fields of Preston Avenue, and Tynedale Park, to carry his team across the final whistle. An astute master class in kicking, point scoring and retaining territory choked Rockcliff just at the moment when the Whitley Bay side looked as if they were about to edge the contest. He was absorbing to watch in a tense and dramatic encounter.

Percy Park started the game really well almost too well. Even the Rockcliff kick off went to Paul Spowarts plan as he told all and sundry that the home player would kick the ball straight into touch. ’Spow’ made the call and we went to the scrum. The resulting platform saw good ball won and with ball in hand Percy Park moved through the Rockcliff backline. Andrew Walker added the extra man from the full back post to cross the line with a good handoff that kept the covering player away. It has to be said the ‘put down’ was a bit dodgy. With points taken Percy Park were 7 points to the good and the away support expected more.

Rockcliff went to the arm wrestle and Percy Park were stifled of quick ball. The quick ruck wasn’t happening and our back line had to wait. When the ball came Rockcliff were organized and isolated the ball carrier. Both sets of forwards were banging heads as the game went to the ‘to and fro’. Percy Parks scrum began to creak with Andrew Steinberg being penalised for ‘going to ground’. The infringement giving a penalty scoring chance to the home side. Duly taken three points to seven.

The score gave Rockcliff encouragement and they drove at Park’s defensive line. Although stopped Park needed to get off the line quicker. They were leaking territory. Another scrum went Rockcliff’s way. It needed sorting out and sure enough the front row union got together and began to dominate. What they did remains a mystery but it was successful. Platform resumed and Park were off the blocks and sprinting hard. Only a fine last ditch tackle and ‘stifle’ from Rockcliff 15 Ryan Rapallo prevented another score. Percy Park being penalised for ‘holding on’. The resulting boot up field was gathered by Ash Smith who made ground before setting the away sides back line away. Ross Young being the beneficiary of some classic back play. At the point of the scoring moment a rather tall supporter drawled “They (Rockcliff) have started with enthusiasm but we have class”. The conversion was missed 3 points to 12.

Percy Park were at it again moments later. This time it was the Preston Avenue forwards relishing the battle. Having secured really good ball wing Kieran Sutherland ‘crashed’ through the Rockcliff defense. A sublime off load gave the supporting Andrew Walker the easiest of scores. It was a great try and it did have that little bit of ‘class’. Conversion taken at 3-19. The two extra taking Ash Smith past the 200 point mark. A round of applause resonated from the faithful, albeit I am not so sure it was echoed by our dearest neighbours.

Percy Park hit a purple patch. They were dominant in the scrum and their line outs were going to plan. The next try was coming and from that base Ross Young was entered the line to score another. With hand on ball Young is difficult to stop. Team effort though and the away side was playing well. Conversion taken 3 points to 26. All was going well until the restart and in a blink the momentum of the game changed.

The restart was lofted high and toward Paul Spowart. The ball fell short of the player causing the knock on. The scrum just outside Percy Park’s 22. A quick ‘in’ put Rockcliff on the front foot and Park went back. The loose head taking away the straight push. The ball came out to eight and to Hansen at ‘10’. Park came up passive and the chip over was chased down. With Park having to turn, the Rockcliff player was able to collect and score. With the easiest of conversions the score difference went to 16. 10 points to 26. A nice bit of skill. Percy Park needed to attack the line with more aggression.

As the game resumed Park remained on top until a nasty clash of heads saw Captain Seb Reece head to the technical area with a nasty wound above his right eye. Ollie Stephenson replacing. Duly greased and taped, Rees hoped to return to the fray but was beaten by the half time whistle.

At the break Percy Park rang the changes. Andrew Clyde replaced ‘Steiners’ in the front row and properly wished he hadn’t. A welcome return from injury for Jake Smith. The late Rockcliff score had galvanized the home team. The first scrum of the half was horrible. ‘Clydey’ went to the wheel, or something like that, and Rockcliff won possession. The ball remained with the home side for some time as Park conceded territory. It was not long before the referee deemed that Park had infringed and allowed Rockcliff a kick at goal. The penalty was missed and as the game progressed the 3 points, if taken, might just have given Rockcliff a later edge.

The next score was almost as horrible as the score. Percy Park crashed up. Holding high the player was stripped of the ball. The Gilbert sphere was sent 75 yards down the pitch with a thunderous boot. From the line out Rockcliffs wiley player coach Craig Hamilton took control. From the 22 Rockcliff mauled and pushed, eventually taking Park back across their line. Fortunately for the away side the conversion hit the post. 2 points lost or you could argue 5. Would the loss of those points prove crucial? The score at 15 to 26. Getting closer.

Tackles were flying in, although for some reason Park didn’t come onto the front foot. Still it was tense. Tom Robinson was penalised for a high tackle, albeit the elbow to the forehead had been missed. Back to the boot and from an offensive position Park were defending their 22. Almost a replica of the earlier Rockcliff score. This time Rockcliff could not get momentum and the ball went to the floor where it was contested. Players flew in and a disagreement followed. You knew something had happened on the floor as both sides went to the epi centre. Shirts were grabbed and the whistle went. Play stopped as did the disagreement. The referee had a word and showed red to Percy Park’s Michael Langlands and Rockcliff’s Andrew Webster. As both players trudged to their respective benches they met in the middle and sportingly made up. From many account it was ‘much to do about little’. Let’s hope the suspensions for both sides reflect the lack of real malice from both players. More like a spat between cousins!

The loss of Percy Park’s number 8 was felt more as the play went to the scrum. Park went back and Rockcliff went over the line. Not good. The conversion taken.22 points to 26. Park were throwing the game away. We need a response.

The restart was great. A hanging ball was met with real aggression and Rockcliff reeled. That aggression should have been shown earlier but as Mark Midgely was quick to observe the try was coming. Percy Park stormed and from the middle, centre Ollie Stephenson found room to cross over. 22 to 33. A bit of daylight.

The game became furious and Rockcliff were penalised for being offside. Offences seen by the referee as their tactics were slowing Park’s quick ball. A word to the home Captain brought his team into line. The game went to the ‘ding dong’.

Park’s defense was good and Rockcliff could not break through. Percy Park got a little excited and lost ball in promising positions. Then it happened again. You would have thought we would have learnt not to get isolated. Once more we were stripped and again the ball was returned with vengeance to our 22. No surprise Rockcliff scored again. 27 to 33.

Time for some leadership and Ash Smith stepped to the plate taking Percy Park into the last quarter with some assurance. Astute kicking kept territory, players were encouraged to keep the ball and play the phases. Rockcliff became frustrated and yet again were spoken to by the referee. A scoring penalty opportunity was given and Smith took the chance. 27 points to 36. The game continued in the same vein: prodding and probing. As the clock ticked down Percy Park went to the line and were unlucky to be called for ‘held up’. On the held up call the referee had seen enough and blew for full time. The crowd inwardly and noticeably drew breath. A tense affair and one of the better derby games seen for a while. The contest generating conversation well into the evening…that is until 11:30pm a weave home via the side of Morrison’s and for another a wake up from a Taxi driver as he was delivered to his bourgeois pad on the Quay.

On a final note the author wishes to record an apology to Paul Spowart for missing his try last week. If I don’t apologise I will never hear the end of it!!

Representing Percy Park RFC

From8: Michael Langlands, Sam Leeds, Thomas Moore, Mark Barry, Karl Thompson, Andrew Steinberg, Andrew Dunn and Matty Atkinson.

From 15 Andrew Walker, Kieran Sutherland, Seb Reece, Paul Spowart, Ross Young, Ash Smith and Tom Robinson

Finishers: Andrew Clyde, Jake Smith and Ollie Stephenson.