Regional North 2

Morpeth RFC 19 v Percy Park RFC 20

‘If Rockcliff was a zero that was a ten’

Percy Park arrived at Mitford Road sober and with an intent to put that Boxing Day debacle to bed. Unfortunately for Morpeth they were on the receiving end of a very impressive rebound. The anger (and yes that is the right word to use) did not come from the coaching team, they correctly let their team fester, but from wives, girlfriends, partners and family. I can assure you that many a back was turned on Boxing Day evening. Sympathy was in short supply. All that ire dissipated as the boys left the pitch surrounded by those same people who were as quick to praise as they were to criticize. Congratulations abounded yet the performance exposed our frailties as much as it highlighted our strengths. With two minutes to go, one point ahead and in possession of the ball why kick it away and allow the opposition to run it back to you? Instead of relying on tackles being completed just keep it and wind the clock down. As former Park winger Jonny Ward battered and nearly broke through the defensive line, tension screamed out from the travelling support. If he had got through (and he nearly did) that would have been game over. Instead of a victory, Morpeth would have had a bonus point win and we would have left with very little to show for our efforts. Small margins but they matter. No wonder many of the faithful are grey and on medication for high blood pressure!

The day started on ‘the wrong foot’ with scrum half Charley Miller pulling his groin in the warm up. Joe Cassidy stepped up from the Lions and had a great game. I know theplayer coverts that spot and, on this performance, made a statement to stay there. His forward pack were immense and took the fight to Morpeth. The start was furious and intense with both teams flying into each other. As a consequence, the game stayed in the middle.

Percy Parks first foray into home territory brought a penalty chance as the Morpeth player was penalised for not rolling away. Paul Spowart elected to kick narrowly missing the posts. The game stayed with Percy Park as they edged the individual and team contests. Paul Spowartand Jamie Wrigly sprayed the ball around with some astute kicking over the top of the Morpeth defense. Morpeth were turned and struggled to exit their half.

On 8 minutes Kieran Sutherland entered the fray replacing centre Ross Young who needed a few minutes to overcome a heavy collision. It was great to see Kieran back playing after breaking his ribs in a soft tackle early in the season. Morpeth were struggling with Percy Parks intensity in the tight and it was no surprise when referee Rikki Handa began to penalise the home team for sealing off as they tried to break up the pattern of the game. Paul Spowart strode up and converted with aplomb. Park ahead by three.

Percy Park continued to turn the Morpeth defence. One really good kick had the full back collecting deep with two Park players providing the chase. Unfortunately, the chase was not as good as the kick. As he turned, he beat the first and then the second releasing to his supporting wing who then beat the third and fourth tackle and before you knew it, we were 7 points down. It was a great break away try and demonstrated why Morpeth were top of Regional Two North. Yet the feeling remained that we had gifted the home side the score.

From a promising start Parks performance took a dip. We weren’t playing badly not by a long way. One or two errors started to creep in. We missed several line outs throwing to the back and our back play faltered through a poor final pass. Morpeth’s ‘8’ broke through as we dropped off the tackle. Further attempts were made before the ball was punted behind. Morpeth winning the foot race to score. 14 to 3. Shame as we were the better side. Both scores could have been avoided.

Undeterred our forwards continued to press with a Morpeth slap down attracting a ‘free ball’. Percy Park continued to drive and ruck to the line. The forwards took the opposition on with Chris Reekie crossing the line to finish some really good forward play. The conversion taken. 14-10.

The game see-sawed. A lineout in our 22 was easily won and as we box kicked to clear, the high ball was collected by Jonny Ward. Ward broke several tackles before the ball went inside from Morpeths left. The ball delivered to their wing forward who crossed the line for a score. Fortunately, the conversion bounced off the post failing to add the additional points. 19 points to 10.

A good scrum put Percy Park on the front foot. Although the first up tackle on the advancing Park player was good the second wasn’t, with Morpeth penalised once more for an infringement at the ruck. The Morpeth defence was really struggling with Parks tenacity with and over the ball. Paul Spowart elected to go for posts. A 50/50 decision that went against, as his shot pulled up short. The Morpeth collect was nothing short of calamitous as their fly half, pursued by Jake Smith, ran to his right along the try line. A hospital pass put his centre in all sorts of bother. Unable to work a way-out Morpeth conceded a scrum. Percy Park edged the contest and an ‘8’ pick from Leo Caulfield drove the player toward the try line. Quickly supported and mauled over the line for (I believe Caulfield) Leo Caulfield to score. Conversion missed. 19 points to 15.

Percy Park continued to dominate the play constantly attacking. Their play was rewarded as Morpeth flew in from the side in an attempt to disrupt the ruck. Quick thinking from Cassidy kept the free ball alive. From a good position a lack of patience resulted in Percy Park kicking the ball away, when further possession could have delivered five or more points. Back to the penalty with the referee indicating the shot was the last kick of the half. A big moment that could see Park ahead at the turnaround. The strike saw the ball hooked to the right of the near post. Into the half two points behind.

The chat on the sideline was all about patience. The scrum was 50/50 but we had them in the loose and tight. Our backs had good ball and with a little more patience we good rack up some points. The second half was eagerly awaited.

Those thoughts appeared to concern Morpeth and their play descended to the red mist. Tristan Grant entered the game for his league debut and what he entered must have had the player scratching his head. As the game kicked off Morpeth played long and deep. The collect good but the player held. As we attempted the exit the Morpeth scrum half tackled a Park player whilst lying on the ground. On the ground and out of the game. The resulting ‘free kick’ went down the middle and took Park into the home sides half. The resulting run back culminated in a minor fracas.

Park continued to run the ball through the forwards. A good tip punched a hole and attracted another penalty. Percy Park went down the line and took the line out. Ball came down and we took several steps forward before another fracas and a flash of yellow saw a Morpeth player dismissed for 10 minutes. Percy Park launched forward taking advantage of the extra man. They muscled their way and over the line before the referee deemed, we were ‘held up’. Morpeth were in further trouble when Chris Reekie was tackled ‘over the shoulder’ and appeared to be driven head first into the ground. Reekie stayed down. Referee Handa took several minutes to contemplate what he had seen, electing to brandish the yellow. Fortunately, Chris Reekie was able to continue. Could have been red. 15 versus 13 surely Percy Park could take advantage?

Morpeth (understandably) cynically started killing time and breaking up play, much to the annoyance of Percy Park’s bench. Morpeth’s stalwart prop became a verbal nuisance as the game descended into tantrums and lectures. First the referee had stern words with the Morpeth player ordering him to desist before approaching the Park bench and delivering an address. The subject matter unknown to the author.

Percy Park missed several penalty kicks to the line wasting good ball. A kickable penalty toward the post also missed. Coupled with disruptions and stoppages Park lost momentum. A bit more patience in this period of the game could have delivered more, especially when Morpeth received another yellow. A good line from the forwards sucked Morpeth in and with Jonny Dubois loitering out wide (really wide) the ball travelled and, despite a valiant attempt to stop him, Dubois went over for the try in the far-right hand corner. The conversion difficult and missed. 19 points to 20.

Although our fly half was having a 50/50 game with the boot his all-round play was really good. Enjoying the forward domination, the player kept putting his forwards into the line. Chris Reekie was excelling ably supported by Michael Langlands. One ‘tie in’ promised much but we went the wrong way when a score looked likely. The defending was desperate and we gained another penalty. Looking to go to the corner we kicked the ball dead. The large visiting support took in an audible deep breath at the mishap.

Morpeths bench was having a meltdown. A meltdown that brought a lecture from the referee. A home supporter was admonished. Something to do with time on yellow cards. Akin to our Caroline telling off her wayward child. Morpeth were under the cosh but we didn’t take advantage, kicking ball away and missing the line.

Both sides were back to strength with ‘10 to go’. We kept kicking ball away and allowing Morpeth to come on. Percy Park came in from the side. Morpeth took the free ball. Kieran Sutherland was a delight in defense and worth his sponsorship for the season (even though he hasn’t played much!). Morpeth went to the scrum in front of the posts. Why not take the points? They wheeled and came off the back. They attacked the line before passing the ball to a runner who took the ball at real pace. The move had try all over it. As the player crashed over Captain Seb Reece took the contact and held him up. If there was a moment where the game was won and lost this was it.

Morpeth went to thrash rugby without any structure. Park defended and defended well sucking the life out of the home attack. Their bench again went to the mist accusing Park of time wasting when it was their player lying prostrate on the floor. That thoughtless remark produced an amusing ‘Jobbarisism’ from our linesman that has long been missing.

The home side lost the plot being marched back 10 for back chat. Their relationship with the referee had diminished beyond repair. The game became feisty and there were one or two flare ups. Daniel Shuttleworth was being an irritating menace. As the game came to its close Percy Park didn’t manage the play well. We ran away from support and kicked ball away when we should have kept it. Free kicks failed to make the line or you could argue hit the line. Out is out. It didn’t help nerves on the sidelines one bit! Especially when Leo Caulfield took the ball down the wing and booted the ball dead.

The travelling support was bolstered by a victorious Lions side emerging as 12 -7 winners and they became quickly emersed in the tension of the game. As we entered the final minutes, we kicked possession away allowing Morpeth to run the ball back. Jonny Ward nearly broke the line. The game went to the scrum. We lost the ball as we went off our feet. The penalty was drilled down field where Kieran Sutherland kept the ball in play. We went up the field to the ruck, moved the ball neatly to the back allowing Joe Cassidy to have the final say in the game by booting the same onto the adjacent car park. The cheer was deafening and hands were held aloft.

The game had drama lots of drama and attracted the comment from a seasoned supporter ‘If Rockcliff was a zero that was a ten’. Hard to disagree. Park edged the contest by a point.

Many thanks to Morpeth RFC for their excellent hospitality in their refurbished clubhouse. It looks and is fantastic. We at Percy Park recognize the hard work it takes to generate and create such a facility. The facility certainly has the wow factor. Thanks also go to my former team mate Guy Goodings for sponsoring the game and providing impressive fare. Albeit Guy lives in Morpeth once you have played for Percy Park a part of you always remains there. The post-game broad grin gave it away.

Represententing Percy Park RFC:

From 8: Leo Caulfield, Jake Smith, Niall Combe, Michael Langlands, Chris Reekie, Matty Atkinson, Jonny Dubois and Aaron Smith

From 15: Jamie Wrigley, Howard Stock, Seb Reece, Ross Young, Dan Jackson, Paul Spowart and Joe Cassidy

Finishers: Tristan Grant, Dan Shuttleworth and Kieran Sutherland

Boxing Day Friendly (if you can call it that)

Percy Park RFC 12 v Whitley Bay Rockcliff RFC 13

A game of two halves as Park run out of time

 

On behalf of Percy Park RFC I would like to wish readers of this enlightening column a happy harmonious and healthy New Year. 2022 has been a good year for our club. Success on and off the field has cemented a close-knit community and team spirit that bodes well for our future in trying economic times. As 2023 rolls in along with mentioned rising costs, general strikes, failing businesses and a European conflict that could easily explode into a third World War, one can only hope that the year leaves us with calm prosperous serenity and knowledge of a storm left behind, along with a stomping victory over our nearest and dearest at Rockcliff RFC. It’s a fixture that brings two communities together, two clubs who share an enduring friendship and a year long desire not to get beaten. Trust me its important and has been since 1879 (or thereabouts)!

Surrounded by friends and former team mates, who wear the red and gold, my ears were left ringing with 20 years of awoken banter. Although I thoroughly enjoyed their company, I was left somewhat downbeat by the manner in which we lost this game. Am I the only one that felt the stinging knife of disbelief, observing a first half performance that was, in my opinion, one of the most disappointing in recent memory? Rockcliff deserved their moment, marshalled by former black and white coach Dean Harrison, they steam rolled into a Park side that looked as if they had entered the field with an entitlement of victory by merely turning up. As the afternoon, evening and early hours of the morning wore on I became aware that their victory gained was fashioned months ago by a young Whitley Bay side that were determined to make this one game their season statement. Although they were hanging on at the end it was little too late from the home side and post-game, I was genuinely pleased for their supporters that they hung on to win. They loved it and rightly so. Hopefully this year we will take the fixture seriously by arriving at Hillheads with sober intent so that I (and others of the faithful) can return the decibel banter tenfold. Until then what repartee is thrown our way, we are going to have to take it.

The game certainly had an immediate explosive start with Chris Reekie shown a yellow card for a high tackle. The collision brought squawking and loud demands for a red card. Referee Graeme Crozier was on hand to bring a measured response by brandishing the yellow. After all he was closer than any other longsighted observer. From the restart we were caught offside and gifted 3 points to the away side. Then we dropped a ball punted high and deep into our half. A high sun didn’t help. Pressure stayed on. Albeit we had the edge in the scrums, despite being a man down, we couldn’t break out. Our passing and support play in midfield was not as crisp as usual. Then there was a bit of rough stuff with scrum half Tom Robinson on the end of some treatment and some skull doggery in the line out. Intent to disrupt and put Park off their game was there to see. Could we respond? The answer was not in that moment. Caught offside again we gifted another easy shot at goal. 6 nil the score and we hadn’t been in their half.

 

From the restart we again failed to deal with another long punt although the set piece allowed Chris Reekie to come back on. Restored to parity we created space and made good inroads. One such move broke down as Ross Young was lofted high in the tackle. The breakdown was scrappy and we lost the ball. Another long punt down the field was dealt with badly. One pass to nowhere received derision. When we got the ball, we dropped it. Rockcliff were intent on playing our ‘9’ off the ball and causing a fracas where possible. Disruption. It was working as Park could not get into their ‘flow’. When we did get forward the ball was kicked away and returned with gusto. Park were not dealing with the lofted ball. And it was another kick that undid us. A little grubber kick behind our defensive line was won by the Rockcliff player who was quicker and braver to get down to the loose ball than his Park counterpart. As a consequence, the ball was recycled and the away side went over in the top left-hand corner. A good conversion taken and we were 13 points down.

A nice foray into the visitors half came to naught as we didn’t compete in the breakdown. They certainly wanted the game more than we did and to be honest the faithful couldn’t wait for the half time whistle to allow the coaching team to reorganize and energise the team. That desire was more than reinforced by a short line out move from the visiting team (that was taken from the Percy Park handbook) that wasn’t read and a penalty kick that did not go to touch and was belted back to us.

13 nil at the half. Relief around the ground edged with quiet optimism. As the half approached we had made some as some bench changes which saw Percy Park gaining solidity. Our forward pack were looking good and had the upper hand. Jonny Dubois was being a menace and the arm wrestle was being won. Fingers were crossed that this would be a happy tale of two halves.

It didn’t start well with a mix up at the restart and it took a Matty Atkinson tackle to prevent a score. The home support was being drowned out. We needed a spark and you could feel that tension building inside you where you just wanted to scream ‘Come on’!!!

A Tom Robinson ‘nick’ and a Jake Smith break out had the crowd on their feet. We moved the ball really well and looked likely to score. Rockcliff scrambled and we over egged the pudding and lost the momentum. Penalty advantage and the play was brought back to a nice shot at goal. Three points looked likely only for the expectant crowd to see the ball hooked wide in front of the posts. Still, it was better and we continued to grow into the game. Our forwards gave us forward ball and Rockcliff were hanging on. Pressure created another penalty chance. This time we went down the line.

A great catch and drive had the black and whites rolling to the line. Excellent stuff. Rockcliff pulled the train to the floor. Penalty advantage. The forwards carried. Josh Hedley was unlucky as he was held short. Another penalty as the defending team went offside. We went wide and butchered it. Just keep it in! Park elected to go for the scrum. We got the nudge and went forward. The referee getting in the way of the ‘8’ pick. Back again; same result. This time Keith Laughlin was held short of the line. Then a long looping pass missed out several forwards coming around the corner. Why? Ross Young caught the ball in the air and did well to get through the cover and cross the line, only to be brought back for a double movement. With more patience that was a try all day. On the positive we were showing intent.

That positivity continued as we took a penalty to the line. We made a mess of the line out but got the ball back and our forwards drove forward to send one of our number crashing over the line. TRY (hallelujah!). Conversion taken. At this point Rockcliff weren’t in the game. It was ‘hang on’ stuff for them. Our forwards were dominating. We needed to be patient, work through the phases, and other scores would come. Jonny Dubois went over but the pass was adjudged to have gone forward. Rockcliffs scrum was creaking. Tom Robinson did another nick but ran out of good options to keep the ball alive. All Park.

Another catch and drive took us to the line and eventually over but held up. Thomas Moore was running the ball back with power. (Great to see him back). Another penalty in front. We elected to go back to the line. Time was the enemy in fading light. We made a mess of the line out and Rockcliff broke out. Frustrating. We had opportunities to put this game away. Another penalty and Rockcliff were marched back. They were losing their cool. Back to the line. This time the line out was good and the catch and drive better. Straight over. TRY. The conversion was missed. 12-13. Time left. Not much but enough.

Some tired defending gave Rockcliff a knock on in our 22. The first time they had been there all half. We wheeled and gave away the penalty. The shot kickable. Fortunately, it went wide. Another Park foray took us to the line. The line out was disrupted and an opportunity was lost. Back to the scrum. Rockcliff were destroyed and Joe Cassidy made a dart to the line. Held but the player kept the ball alive. We drove on. Pick and go , pick and go…just keep going we were almost there! Somehow the ball found its way to the left wing …where we lost it. Penalised for holding on. A Rockcliff punt gave us the lineout. Took this one and rumbled forward gaining good field position. This time we gave it out to the backs in space. Paul Spowart made it to the line before the covering tackle prevented him putting the ball down. Ross Young was unable to hold the ball and the game went to the ruck. Rockcliff belting the ball away into the car park to end the contest.

Percy Park 12 Rockcliff 13. Much rejoicing from the red and gold before heading to the bar to ensure our guests didn’t leave us sober. Our turn next year

Representing Percy Park RFC.

From 8: Michael Langlands, Jake Smith, Mickey Fisher, Josh Hedley, Chris Reekie, Matty Atkinson, Jonny Dubois and Aaron Smith

From 15: Paul Spowart, Dan Jackson, Ross Young, Seb Reece, Sam MacDonald, Toby Davison and Tom Robinson

Finishers: Adam Hay, Tristan Grant, Eddie Saint, Keith Laughlin, Niall Combe, Leo Caulfield, Joe Cassidy, Thomas Moore and Jamie Wrigley

Regional 2 North

Percy Park RFC 39 v Keswick RUFC 22

Park and Keswick beat Jack Frost

Jack Frost did his best to get this fixture cancelled. The big freeze moved the game from grass to an artificial grass pitch (AGP) at our ‘nearest and dearest’ underpinning the decision by the RFU to provide regional AGP’s and create local club partnerships to get games played; when in ‘normal’ circumstances the fixture would have been cancelled. Of interest the only other game played in the North East region was at Billingham, again on an AGP, where our Northumberland friends at Alnwick took a bit of a battering.

Before we move to the jack-a-nory we need to make some acknowledgements. Many thanks to Whitley Bay Rockcliff for accommodating the fixture and to their Director of Rugby for taking the time to meet and assist in pitch inspections. To Keswick for making the journey over and being part of a very good game to watch. The fixture drew a large crowd and your efforts were very much appreciated by those who attended the game. As this was the only contest played within the Northumberland CB it was great to see players from across all clubs and members of the referee society down to watch. We even had a visit from Northumberland’s President Ken Fairbairn and our RFU representative Penny Stewart

The Park faithful arrived full of festive turkey and ale courtesy of the clubs Xmas lunch to be met by those who had declined to support the herculean efforts of Brian and Margaret (just saying!). The scene was set for revelations and a lot of singing. The teams entered the fray to a background of hazy cold and the sound of sleigh bells or was that the clack of frozen balls either way we kicked off and the two sides were not shy in the meeting.

Percy Park did not start well. Within minutes we had been on the end of 5 penalty decisions mainly for being off-side with Keswick taking advantage by recording the first 3 points of the game. Park needed to settle and that opportunity arrived at the scrum. This season Percy Park’s ‘8’ have been very good and have been difficult to beat in the set piece. As the two packs came together Keswick were pushed back with the ball settling nicely at the feet of Percy Parks Michael Langlands. A swift pick up found centre Ross Young taking a good line that broke through the Keswick defence. An interchange of passes with scrum half Charley Miller saw the diminutive player cross for a very good try. The conversion was missed.

Percy Park began to dominate. Keswick were struggling with Percy Park’s physicality, albeit their number 8 and scrum half were certainly enjoying the battle. Both are good players. Park’s up front advantage was giving acres of space for centre Ross Young to work in. Joined by the returning Seb Reece, Percy Park looked really strong. A Keswick ‘off side’ saw the black and whites go to the line out. A catch from Josh Hedley and a short drive saw Jonny Dubois peel off to score a well manufactured try. Again the conversion was missed. 10-3 to Percy Park.

The score line aided the festive mood on the side lines and the faithful were in a singing mood. An author’s revelation that he had seen Wham in concert at the nearby Whitley Bay Ice Rink brought a rendition of Last Christmas with Caroline (our Physio) being serenaded

Last Christmas, I gave you my heart
But the very next day, you gave it away
This year, to save me from tears
I'll give it to someone special
Last Christmas, I gave you my heart
But the very next day, you gave it away (You gave it away)
This year, to save me from tears
I'll give it to someone special (Special)

A nice moment but what I can say is… ‘No’ I didn’t throw my underpants at Andrew Ridgely!

Maybe it was the singing that put Percy Park out of step or a lapse in concentration. A few errors in the middle saw Park’s momentum slip and Keswick took advantage, playing for long periods in Percy Park’s half. We were off the pace and needed to graft a bit more. Keswick’s hard work was rewarded with a penalty chance. Michael Langlands deemed to be ‘off his feet’. The chance was missed. In the collective gather instructions were given and at the next penalty opportunity Park took the kick instead of the set piece. The penalty was good and Park kept the scoreboard ticking along at 13 points to 3.

A try quickly followed. Another score from a line-out. Good ball was collected and Park went to the rumble, moving inside. This time Chris Reekie was the beneficiary of the score with a neat pirouette off the side of the ruck. After the game, and to ensure the moment was not lost to history, the player was persuaded to replay ‘the moment’ with the reward of a hot mince pie. The conversion was missed 18 -3 the score.

I have already mentioned Keswick’s 8 and 9 partnership. They came to the fore as they combined well to attack our line. Breaking several tackles they isolated the full back before the Park’s defence finally brought the attack to an end. Percy Park needed to be aware, Keswick had a bite and although ahead we needed to be on our guard to maintain the lead.

The warning was not received and Keswick returned to the front foot scoring a good try through low drives to the line that were difficult to stop. Keswick’s scrum half was orchestrating the performance. The conversion was an easy shot in front of the posts. 18 to 10 with the half time mark approaching. With both teams aware of the clock Keswick were handed a difficult kick at goal. I’m not sure what the penalty was for, fortunately for Park, the strike drifted away from the posts. 18 to 10 at the half.

At the interval Kieran ‘two games’ Sutherland made an appearance, albeit he was reluctant to speak to his sponsor (or was he being too coy), anyway the good news is that he has recovered from his injury and should be back with us next year. Bringing much needed value for his sponsors money!

The second half started with Percy Park back on the front foot. The half time team talk benefitting the home side. Seb Reece began to extend his influence in the game with some very strong carries. One breakout was sublime, brushing off several players before the offload. Park took the ball to the gather before being stopped and knocking on in the clubhouse corner. A front five effort had Keswick rolling backwards with the ball playing ‘ping pong’ at their feet. Park got the decision and brought Keswick back to the scrum. Rolling neatly to the line Michael Langlands went a ‘tad too early’ and was stopped short of the line. Park worked hard to keep the ball alive before Niall ‘One O’ Combe struck placing the ball across the whitewash. This time Andrew Walker stepped up to convert the try. Park moved into what appeared to be an unassailable 25 to 10 lead.

A lead reinforced by some fine free flowing rugby. Park were back to their best. Michael Langlands started the romp by taking an angle into space and eating into Keswick territory. The ball was kept alive with some assured hands (despite the cold) with Jake Smith delivering the final blow. Andrew Walker converting. 32-10. Just to prove the score wasn’t a one off in the game, Seb Reece made another break and on this occasion combined with Tom Robinson along our left wing. With what appeared little space to work in, the pair managed to fashion the try. Great to watch. The conversion was good.39-10.

As we entered the last quarter Ross Young was bouncing around akin to ‘Tigger on heat’ in an attempt to keep warm, rolling his ankle as he landed. Fortunately the player walked off the pitch to be replaced from the bench. As the temperature dipped so did the home sides performance, allowing Keswick in for two quick tries near to the end of the game. The first came in the bottom left corner as Park were unable to get sufficient numbers across and the second from a penalty in front, followed by a tap and go that we did not react to. As the game wound down you could see that the players from both sides were cold and in need of a warm shower. Fortunately the referee didn’t hang around calling time on the button and dispatching the combatants, supporters and spectators to the warmth. Both sides and the referee are to be congratulated for producing a great game to watch in Baltic conditions.

And for the benefit of our own Neil ‘what’s the score’ Duffy, the final score was 39 points to 22 or 6 tries to 3.

Representing Percy Park RFC.

From 15: Andrew Walker, Howard Stock, Seb Reece, Ross Young, Tom Robinson, Toby Davison and Charley Miller.

From 8: Michael Langlands, Jake Smith, Niall Combe , Chris Reekie, Josh Hedley, Matty Atkinson, Jonny Dubois and Daniel Shuttleworth.

Finishers: Mikey Fisher, Paul Spowart and Aaron Smith.

Regional 2 North

Miller super show dampened as yellow proves costly

Middlesbrough RFC 28 v Percy Park RFC 22

Percy Park travelled to Green Lane on an auspicious day for the home side. Acklam Park was teeming with supporters, ex-players, elected council figures and other well to do’s as Middlesbrough celebrated their 150^th anniversary of their first game against Northumberland RFU on 12^th November 1872. Also present were two of their British Lions, Alan Old and Rory Underwood, there to raise a commemorative flag. The day had atmosphere, a touch of rare anticipation and sunshine. We even had Mark Carr on the touchline to add his dulcet tones to the noise as the players entered the green. It was building nicely to an eagerly awaited contest.

Percy Park started the brighter of the two sides as the visitors played into the sun. An Andrew Walker intercept looked promising before a very good tackle closed the gate. A kick ahead by wing Sam McDonald had the away support on its feet before a scrambled defence brought the game to the scrum. As the ball went in, Middlesbrough went backwards, and the first penalty of the day went to the black and whites. A very good start.

Coach Ash Smith made his way to the stand side offering support to Charley Miller as he orchestrated backs and forwards alike. ‘Trust’ was the word used and with the encouragement the player grew and blossomed into the game.

Michael Langlands and Chris Reekie carried well, taking their team deep into Middlesbrough territory. A ‘take’ from a line out and ‘carry’ drew the penalty advantage as Middlesbrough folded into disarray. Percy Park showing their edge as Jonny Dubois crossed the line to score the first try of the game. A Paul Spowart conversion was true as he ‘hit the fade’. 7 points to nil and Park looking good.

Talk abounded on which of our players looked like the nanny off Count Duckula. Having never seen in the film, an assist by google aided the identification. All were in buoyant mood and that disposition got louder as the kick off went straight out of play. The resulting scrum saw Leo Caulfield peel off and attack. The player identifying that the home side were playing wide and flat (not wholly sure of that, but for dramatic effect we shall keep that part of the narrative in). A short pass to Charley Miller had Park advancing to a kickable penalty. Unfortunately Paul Spowart was unable to add to the score as the ball failed to get to the ‘fade’.

Middlesbrough started to settle. Where we had the advantage upfront the ‘boro backs’ were seen to be a useful outfit. Ash Smith was still prowling and as fly half Toby Davison ‘kicked open’ a rare bullocking was heard. The player failing to comprehend the meaning of a one night stand. With message received, we played in the zones. All the home side could do was kick the ball back, looking to get behind. Kick and then chase the ball in space appeared to be a chosen tactic. Their striker runner looked really dangerous and they were desperately trying to get the player into the game.

Andrew Walker drifted offside and although Middlesbrough went with the advantage they were unable to break through a robust Park defence. Returning to the penalty they elected to go for posts. Fortunately the ball was struck across the face. The game see-sawed. Jake Chalklen and Charley Miller were having a right old tussle for ‘9’ dominance. A clever box kick saw Miller challenged taking the ball in the air with some aplomb.(see headline photo)

The boro weren’t enjoying the set piece. Josh Hedley was taking most of their ball. The home side needed a break and it came from our own indiscipline. For the first time in the game Middlesbrough took the scrum. Penalty went to the corner. Although Josh Hedley took the line out, we were adjudged ‘not to be ten’. The penalty was near enough in front and easily taken.

As Middlesbrough gathered the restart, Sam McDonald took an intercept as the home side tried to work the ball to their left. It was a poor pass from their 15 and a gift to our speedy winger who made no mistake with the score. Spowart converting .14 to 3.

The game became a furious affair. Jonny Dubois and Charley Miller put in some hefty tackles as Percy Park kept the home side camped in their own half. They couldn’t clear their lines. We put ‘the ball up the jumper’ and trundled and drove to the line. Marshalled by Miller, Percy Park crossed the line with Middlesbrough bodies lying underneath. The referee confirming the ‘held up’. Boro held the scrum and played out. An outstanding tackle from debutant Mikey Fisher brought the knock on and kept the visitors in the driving seat until a very, very good box kick from Jake Chalklen took the steam out of the Park attack.

We looked comfortable as Middlesbrough made a rare raid into our half. Their frustration boiling over as the home sides centre had an off the ball swat at Sam McDonald. Then we made a complete mess of the defensive play. First Toby Davison dropped the ball and then young McDonald should have cleared. Fortunately no harm came as Chris Reekie took us out of trouble or so we thought. Holding onto the ball when we should have passed had Park peddling backwards. From a scrum, a twist and wheel, brought an eight pickup and a drive to undefended space. As we got across Middlesbrough held the ball to the line before crossing to score. Fortunately the conversion was missed. The half time whistle blew and from a deserved 11 point lead we found ourselves pegged back to a six point margin. 8 points to 14. Park ahead at the turn.

Our first kick of the half went deep into their 22. Boro collected and worked the ball up field. Creating a three man overload they ripped into our back division and with some really smart off loads they managed to score in the corner. Sometimes you have to acknowledge exceptional play and that was a really good try. Conversion taken. Middlesbrough ahead by 1.

And it got better for the home side. Despite Chris Reekies efforts to keep the ball away from their backs. One exceptional tackle was done with power and grace as the folding player was gently put to the floor. As one wag was heard to say ‘it was like putting a baby to sleep’. Yet Middlesbrough kept possession and their backs ripped into us once more. With space they were lethal. We were struggling. A quick penalty from their ‘10’ worked the ball to their left and into space. Then it was all about pace and skill with the pass. The offloads were sublime. Try scored. Applause from home and away support alike. Conversion taken and we were behind at 22 points to 14.

Momentum is key and Middlesbrough were in the frame as our back unit looked shell shocked. We needed to come back to the forwards and put the ball up the jumper. Charley Miller kept the ball in and as a consequence we managed to take the sting out of their momentum. Quietening the home support. Keeping the ball tight Andrew Walker put in an intelligent grubber kick to the corner, with our forwards engaged we got the ‘knock on’. Scrum won we remained in their 22. The game went to the line out and from a well-organised ‘catch and drive’, Leo Caulfield peeled off to score a good try. With Paul Spowart converting we were back in the game at 22 points to 21.

Percy Park stayed with the forwards. Jake Smith was relishing the combat. Niall Combe entered the fray and Percy Park kept Middlesbrough contained. Instructions were passed onto the field for the benefit of Aaron Smith. The response from a team mate was…well judge for yourself ‘’Aaron who?’’ to which the reply was ‘There’s only one Aaron on the field mate!’’.

Percy Park began to make the changes. Jonny Dubois going to tight head as Adam Hay slipped in at hooker. Charley Miller continued to dictate moving his team left and right, keeping the Middlesbrough defence split. The game was hard fought. Toby Davison took a good hit and Josh Hedley was given a warning for a marginally late, albeit committed, tackle on Jake Chalklen. The scrum half getting the ball away moments before being bull dozed. Michael Langlands carried into the heart of the midfield. Park were doing well keeping Middlesbrough on the back foot something they couldn’t maintain. Penalty given and Percy Park regained the lead .The game drew to its final quarter. 22 to 24.

Leo Caulfield took the restart and a kick down field deep to the left resulted in the Middlesbrough 15 fumbling the ball. Back in ‘home’ territory Park looked to ‘kick on’. A suicidal pass saw Paul Spowart clattered with an audible ‘Ouch’. Provoking another comment of going in hard and coming off second best. Adam Hay was putting in a good shift. Charley Miller went toe to toe with Jake Chalklen as they had a ‘tug and a pull’ at the side of the scrum. Neither player giving an inch. It was a good game to watch and all who were watching were enjoying the contest.

And then it went ‘a tad’ astray for the away side. Percy Park offended by being ‘not 10’. Middlesbrough took the penalty with a good kick down the line. We took their ball and played out, with Toby Davison kicking the ball down the middle of the field. The chasing referee missed the knock on and from the resulting ruck Josh Hedley commits to a tackle and arrives, again marginally, late. This time there was no reprieve and a yellow card was brandished. No arguments from the player or supporters.

Less than 10 minutes left to play. Percy Park had to see the game out with 14.

The penalty again went to the line. This time the line out went with the thrower. Although we held out the pressure was intense. Enough to ensure we couldn’t get back on side. Middlesbrough electing to take the penalty. 25 to 24.

A good restart wasn’t gathered by the away side. A near miss by Sam McDonald. Their 12 broke through an attempted tackle by Andrew Walker, although Sam McDonald got across, Middlesbrough had forward momentum. Dan Jackson stopped proceedings but we were, once again, caught offside. Middlesbrough took the points with an easy kick in front. 28 to 24 with four minutes to go.

We attempted to play out. Toby Davison did well with a strong run away from our posts. Although isolated he hold on. We had possession but couldn’t get out of our half. We moved the ball to the wing and Niall Combe attacked the outside with pace. Space opened up as he attacked the half way line. Covering players knocked the player and the ball out of his stride and hands. Knock on.

The scrum ate the time and the call to last play. Scrum won and with the ball booted high above the home stand Middlesbrough carried the day.

Overall a good performance from Percy Park. Our younger players are looking stronger for the game experience and time on the pitch. Charley Miller had a great game. As our injured players return we will reverse recent results. What cannot be ignored is that we have some very good young players coming through. Players who are eager for that first team shirt.