Durham and Northumberland 1

Medicals RFC 15 V Percy Park RFC 53

Power of Jones ensures Langlands rises to score

Club stalwart Michael Langlands owed much to Percy Park’s physio Caroline Jones as she administered healing powers to an ankle injury that had all, including the player, believing his afternoon ‘was done’. The magic touch had the Lazarus effect as the player rose and returned to the fray. The restoration of life was significant as the player scored a fine solo try that effectively took the game beyond a stubborn Medicals side. Langlands try was a moment within a small number of exceptional moments that brightened an otherwise sober afternoon. The game never really took off. Penalties littered the fray and the stop start nature of the contest hampered the fluidity of movement that Park enjoy. That coupled with a small pitch ensured Percy Park never got out of second gear. Despite the tame appearance the side delivered a bonus point win and are 8 points ahead of the chasing pack. And to that end the usually spoilt supporter cannot overly complain.

The first 15 to 20 minutes of this tussle was all about the Medics defence and a Medics try. Percy Park had selected a robust front row and were dominating in the scrum and line out. Quality defending from Medics ensured the dominance did not reflect into points. And that character had its reward when their first venture into Park territory resulted in a well worked driving maul down a lightly defended channel. Try converted 7-0 to the home side.

It didn’t take long for Park to respond and we got our first moment. Medics defended high leaving space behind. A deft chip from Ash Smith had the line turned and scoop from Ollie Stephenson had him over for the try. 7-7.

Percy Park forwards started to dominate. Marc Cook emerged and delivered the ball to Tom Robinson at scrum half. After that it was goodnight. 7-14

Penalties blighted the game. It was akin to a teenager’s messy bedroom. In from the side and holding on were the culprits. Medicals kicking one.10-14. Park kicking one 10-17.

On the 30 Park began to rotate as the bench got minutes in the legs. No change to the score 10-14 at the turn.

At the rest Percy Park were handed a penalty kick. A fine over took the score to 10-20. Then we had Lazarus. I believe it was a follow through that caused the impact to the ankle. Either way the player departed dragging said limb behind motioning to all that his afternoon was done. Emerging like a ray of sunshine on a dark clouded afternoon (I’m hoping you are getting the imagery here!) the team physio bounded across the pitch. The magic touch and the application of a bandage had the player walking to the bench.

The game continued as the first only the culprit this time was ‘going in off the feet’. After a 10 minute respite Langlands returned and found himself in the wide channel. Breaking the line he set off in a sprint quicker than than the younger chasing Medics team to score a fine try in the corner. A difficult kick was taken out wide. 10-27.As Lazarus rose to inspire others to follow, the try and conversion inspired further scores for a team that began to find their scoring touch.

A Leo Caulfield rip allowed possession at real pace saw good hands to put Ross Young in at the corner. 10-32. A little hiccup saw centre Thomas Moore given a 10 minute warning for a deliberate knock on. It wasn’t really deliberate but had to be given. A cross kick and a wicked bounce had Ross Young beat (and wishing he had a couple of extra inches!) and the Medicals wing in for a score. The conversion rattled the post but got no cigar.15-32.

Langlands was at it again.15-39. Park rotated the bench. And then the moment that really did light up the afternoon. Jake Smith gave a offload assist to Tom Robinson who stepped, outpaced and stepped again a flailing defense to score an outstanding individual try. Conversion taken 15-46.

Medicals were beginning to fall off the pace and injuries were taking their toll. Parks dominance in the scrum was hurting for player and team resulting in Medics prop being taken off and the game to the uncontested. No advantage there as the big Park forwards smashed their way up the middle just short of the line. A little set back and MOM Tom Robinson was on hand to touch down. Conversion taken 15-53. Bonus points and seven tries.

Percy Park’s home grown players generated a lot of talk in the bar that had an official waxing lyrical on Tom Robinson’s performance. The reference was to allotments and how young Robinson’s seed is beginning to germinate. All I can say is that once said it provided a great light moment of hilarity. Former president Phil Martin found the humour so exhausting that he decided to have a deep sleep later on in the evening…that combined with a tiring participating performance of the music man on the Metro ride home. Next game Rockcliff at home” oomp-pa-oomp-pa-ooomp-pa-paaaa, oomp-pa-paaaa, oomp-pa-paaa; oomp-pa-oomp-pa-oomp-pa-paaaa, oomp-pa-oomp-pa-pa”.

Representing Percy Park RFC:

From 15: Paul Spowart, Nathan Coxon, Ollie Stephenson, Thomas Moore, Ross Alexander Young, Ash Smith, and Tom Robinson.

From 8: Michael Langlands, Jake Smith, Leo Caulfield, Andrew Clyde, Sam Digman, Marc Cook, Matty Atkinson and Andrew Steinberg.

Finishers: Sean Williamson, Michael Birkett and Howard Stock.

Durham and Northumberland 1

Percy Park RFC 67 v Novocastrians RFC 12

The score was never in doubt but the game was. As we approached ‘the 60’ calf problems struck the referee. As he hopped and limped, the crowd became anxious. We were still a long way off the end of the game. For a result to stand we had to get past sixty minutes played. The thought of a non-finish was guaranteed to get you down. Park were 48 points ahead and our Saturday was looking like the Club Manager could get on a table for celebratory wiggle. The ref needed to hold out otherwise we would have to start again. A quick rub down ensured the contest continued with the Preston Avenue faithful grateful that the rub had given the adjudicator a bit of spice to continue. The game began to stutter as Park tried to regain the momentum. For a moment it looked like the black and whites were playing with a greasy spoon. Novos struck back but it was short-lived and our Club Manager could hit the bar top.

The game did not start well for the away side. From the kick off the ball failed to go 10. Back to the centre and the scrum. Novos went backwards. Although they snuffed out the attack their first line out went to pot with an astute Park fingertip flick to scrumhalf Tom Robinson setting up the play in the outside channel. Novos were stretched and it was an outstretched arm that gave away a penalty.

Paul Spowart strode up and put the home team on the board with a well-taken shot at goal.

Novos dusted themselves off and pressed the line. Park absorbed and waited for the opportunity to regain ball. Patience was the key and when Novos faltered Percy Park were off. From inside their 22 the exit was devastatingly quick. A collect and bounce off followed by a series of passes put Captain Seb Rees over in a blink. With the conversion taken Percy Park were ahead by ten points and Novos were in for a long afternoon. That was compounded from the restart. Novos gave Park possession and the next thing they knew was Tom Robinson ghosting over a try. Conversion taken. 17-0 the score.

With the referee allowing Percy Park advantage to ‘see what you get’ a cross kick failed to secure points. The lineout followed and the home pack pushed Novos over the line with Andy Dunn vocally claiming the try from underneath a pile of bodies. The referee agreed and with a conversion 24-0. A dry sage reported from the sideline ‘the points clock is ticking’. He wasn’t wrong.

The game was one-sided allowing the opportunity for Percy Park to use the bench. Sean Williamson making a welcome return to 1^st XV action. Tries from Ross Young and Michael Langlands kept the score rolling in one direction. Ross Young doing well to clear up a bouncing ball to score. Even with a dodgy knee Langland’s try had a moment, as he scythed through an attempted tackle on the opposition 22. The surprising turn of speed did not falter as he took an angle to cross. The admiring and look and nod from his younger team mates said it all. Not bad!...38-0

On the half Ash Smith was replaced by Andrew Walker and Andy Dunn was replaced by Travis Bowart. Both being rewarded with some outstanding performances with the Lions.

It didn’t take long for service to resume. Another good scrum had Novos scuttling back. The 8 pick up and pass out had the impressive Nathan Coxon over the line in the corner. Simple but effective. The conversion was difficult and missed. 43-0

Next up Tom Robinson. Novos were desperately trying to clear their half. As Andrew Walker pressed a clearance kick cannoned off the hands. Robinson was on like ball like a ferret after a mouse. The collect and down was good. The conversion was missed. 48 nil

It was at this point we hit ref muscle problems. The break in play benefitted Novos and they came back into the game. Park were a little eager and were penalized for being offside. They were dominant all over the field yet little mistakes were creeping in. Forward passes and missed jumpers in the line. Novos were encouraged with a little more of the ball. A Novos line out on Park’s 22 resulted in a well-worked try for Novos hooker Dan Shuttleworth. After a busy week away in the sun he did well to find the energy. A good score. 48-7

The home side refound the rthymn that later moved to the clubhouse. A catch and drive went to a wrestle. Percy Park ripped the ball away and put an advancing player into space. Park were on the away sides line. They were busy creating chances that Novos gallantly defended. But it was like putting the wrong shaped plug in a bath. Seb Rees crossed. The conversion striking the post. 53-7

The Novos 6 was whipping himself into a fury. You could see a yellow card coming. Frustration was etched on a lot of opposition faces. They needed to channel that into the game. Midfield indiscipline gave Novos the penalty mid half. From the lineout they went wide and fortuitously awarded a penalty when it did appear as if a number of Park bodies were under the ball. They had an award yet that yellow card was waiting to be shown. A deliberate knock on by Novos thwarted a Park attempt at points. The decision did not sit well with number 6…. Well I did say that yellow was coming. Shorthanded Novos couldn’t prevent Jake Smith crossing.

The Novos defence went to the Alamo and with respect they tried to hold out. Josh Hedley capped off a fine move with his own scything attempt through the defence and he too showed good pace to outstrip all before him. Much to Novos relief the whistle was blown on 67-12.

Percy Park were dominant across all areas of the pitch and the faithful were delighted with the performance so much they took to the top of the 1872 bar. I guess it ‘just had to be done’!

Representing Percy Park RFC:

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

From 8: Michael Langlands, Jake Smith, Andrew Dunn, Karl Thompson, Josh Hedley, Marc Cook, Adam Hay and Matty Atkinson.

Finishers: Sean Williamson, Travis Bowart and Andrew Walker.

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.