Regional 2 North

Percy Park RFC 11 v Durham City RFC 14

Decimation in the ranks

In times gone past the Roman Legions used decimation as a form of punishment. Whatever Rugby god is looking over Percy Park at the moment has obviously seen fit to reduce our playing numbers. Our injury list is extraordinary. From what might appear to be doom and gloom there is more than one ray of sunshine. Saturday’s results might not have gone our way but we were able to field two very competitive sides. And that is testament to all the hard work that goes in the background and showcases Percy Park’s strength and foresight in developing and encouraging rugby union in North Tyneside. That statement was exhibited (in part) by the performances of four young players who have taken the opportunity to demonstrate their desire to play first team rugby. Nathan Coxon did not look out of place in the centre nor did Dan Jackson on the wing, Sam McDonald came off the bench and put in one try saving tackle that had the faithful on their feet and who can forget the tenacity of one ‘o’ Combe to turn over the ball in key areas of the pitch. When we are all up back and running Coach Ash Smith will be grinning like the ‘Shields cat’, the future is there to be seen and he has a club of players wanting to wear that famous black and white jersey. Before we get to that place of nirvana it’s going to be an anxiety driven bumpy road.

Percy Park started well enough with a strong run from scrum half Charley Miller placing his team neatly in field and within Durham territory. Fly half Toby Davison placing a canny little kick behind the defensive line. Durham having to contemplate a throw in their 22. Although successfully cleared, the pressure stayed on, with Park playing some flowing rugby. An attacking line out, followed by a catch and drive, presented Park with their first scoring opportunity, as Toby Davison floated a cross kick to the bottom corner and into the try scoring zone. Full back Tom Robinson fractionally beaten to the touch.

Durham edged into the contest and for a while the game was stuck around the half way line, until they made a break to the left of the ruck. The away side were behind. Ross Young made a good tackle but the grubber had gone. Fractions. In the chase Durham knocked on and Park had the scrum on the 5. We went for ground and positioned for the clearing kick. As Toby Davison received the ball, behind the try line, the tall Durham 8 was on top and the ball cannoned off his hands; dropping invitingly for the supporting player to pounce and score the first try of the game. Thirteen minutes in and 7 nil to the visitors.

Percy Park continued to press looking for that response. Charley Miller was doing well moving his team left and right until his opposite number cleared him out. Penalty given for ‘playing the 9’ presenting Park with a good shot at goal. Unfortunately Toby Davison pulled the kick to the right narrowly missing the three points.

We had dominance in the scrum yet we couldn’t quite get the advantage our efforts deserved. On their ball Durham were able to scramble and kick away. On our ball we also had a tendency to kick. It was becoming a little frustrating. Albeit we had a moment where the referee chastised hooker Dan Shuttleworth for interference on the line out call provoking grins from both parties. I think there maybe a little bit of history there. On the occasion we took the ball against the head we lost it again in the midfield. Exasperating for supporter and player alike. That annoyance spilling over into a little melee.

The game stayed that way. From a penalty Park kicked straight into touch giving the ball back to Durham. Lack of cohesion was beginning to cost in opportunity. On the positive side Durham weren’t making a great job of attacking our line. Chris Reekie, Sam Digman, Dan Shuttleworth and Jake Smith were putting a shift in. The game ‘see sawed’ to the half until a Durham lock pulled Jake Smith back as he chased down. That lack of thought manufacturing a scoring moment for the home side. A needless act as there appeared to be no immediate danger from that position. A kick in front was a gift and duly taken. 3 points to 7 at the turnaround.

During the half time period an official deputation requested that we put our floodlights on. The response was a sign of rugby times…no LUC certificate meant no lights. Although the matter is in hand, new RFU legislation is beginning to bite. A shrug of the shoulders and we were back to the middle and the game continued. Amazingly everybody could still see. Although there was another whinge. A blue and yellow whine that we didn’t provide towels to dry the ball before a throw in. Maybes we should ask the RFU if there is any new regulation we need to follow for ball wiping!

Game started with more kicking from both sides. Kicks without purpose or strategic advantage. Passing along the line was indifferent with the pass being dropped or going to the floor. Both sides were endeavouring to open but it just wasn’t happening. Frustrations boiled over with Eddie Saint and the Durham inside centre having a minor rumble around the collars of each other’s shirt. Closely followed with Charley Miller being roughed up on the floor. Mind the young player gave as good as he got.

A 'no arms' tackle felled Kieran Sutherland and did him injury. Although penalised there was an argument for more. It was niggley and neither side were threatening anything. We even failed to take advantage of a penalty advantage in front, losing the ball when we elected to take a line out instead of taking the kick. We needed a moment.

That moment arrived from the hands and swift feet of Jonny Dubois. As the game progressed the player became more influential. Correctly anticipating another slow pass along the line, Dubois strode into the throw. Gathering the ball he fended off, leaned left and right snaking his hips through 4 defenders before showing a clean pair of heels to score behind. There was even a shout of ‘Forest’. All of that from the half way line. An impressive effort. Conversion missed. The shot being dragged across the face of the posts. Park ahead by 1 with 20 minutes to go.

The score raised spirits and our next attack had aggression and good lines. Hands in produced the penalty. This time ‘bang under’ the posts. Taken (albeit only just).11points to 7 and Percy Parks prowling Coach Ash Smith used the word ‘kick and anxiety’ in the one sentence. Still we were starting to smile. Game on or so we thought.

A deliberate block by Eddie Saint and with Dan Shuttleworth being caught offside, we were under pressure. Durham did well in sustaining their threat. From an attacking line out they manufactured an angled run from their rangey 8. On the try line the player took the ball into the heart of our forwards. There he met Sam Digman and Jake Smith ably assisted by Eddie Saint. The player was held up and Durham weren’t as pleased as Jake Smith was. His shout of glee heard by strolling couples next to Whitley Bay lighthouse. A great piece of defensive work.

If we thought that was good what came next took the roof off the clubhouse. Moments before Sam McDonald took a blow to the throat whilst attempting to tackle. He did not leave the field returning to his position on the wing. The game continued with a line out to Park. Leo Caulfield was beaten to the jump and Durham moved the ball to their strike runner. On this occasion the passing was fluid and their 11 found himself in space. Streaking along club side he outpaced his opposite number. Enter young McDonald. Sensing the danger the player came off the stand side wing and raced across the pitch, meeting the Durham City player about the midriff. The tackle taking player and ball into touch, all thoughts of a damaged windpipe forgotten. A great moment. With the scoring opportunity not taken the faithful started to believe that we could take the game. Minutes were left. All we had to do was exit from the lineout.

With the throw won Toby Davison elected to put boot to ball. The kick had distance and we came up. The kick was in the middle and gathered by the advancing Durham full back. His momentum took him through our defensive line and a step lost the first covering tackle. The second was made but not before the offload to a supporting player. The score made under the posts. The blow was devastating to all in black and white. Player and supporters had hands on head. As the kick was taken (and converted) there was less than one minute on the clock. Time for a restart. Score at 11 to 14. Three points in it.

Park had to gather to make most of the now called ‘last minute’. On the side lines we hoped. The kick was just ahead of the advancing forwards. Durham got possession but were ‘gathered in’ by our pack. They couldn’t wrestle free and were penalised for holding on. Loud whistle; our shout. We were just outside of the 22 on the stand side. We elected for ‘line over posts’. Toby Davison took his team to the 5. The throw was long to the back. Chris Reekie stood strong and we peeled off. We went to runners and another peel. Unfortunately we didn’t get there in numbers and the Durham defence had read the play. As soon as the carrying player was on the floor they were over and lifted the ball. Penalty Durham. A discussion in field re time. Ball off the field. Line out Durham. Big man up, ball to the back. A short count down. Ball booted off the playing surface. Whistle blown. Game to Durham by 11 points to 14. We looked crestfallen

At the beginning of the game the Percy Park faithful hoped but were realistic in what could be achieved. The fact we came so close was a good effort. Yes we could have managed the game better, yet it was a young and inexperienced side and that discussion is for game analysis and learning. What you can’t fault is the effort and desire to win in a black and white shirt. And those moments were all over the paddock, strongly illustrated by McDonalds tackle, Dubois’s run and try, Combes turn over and that hold up over the line. Back to full strength we will win this type of game and with a weakened Pumas side suffering a narrow loss against a Newcastle University side, all bodes well across the club.

I think we can allow our coaching team buoyant anticipation of what our future could look like.

Representing Percy Park RFC:

From 15: Tom Robinson, Dan Jackson, Nathan Coxon, Ross Young, Kieran Sutherland, Toby Davison and Charley Miller

From 8: Leo Caulfield, Jake Smith, Jonny Dubois, Chris Reekie, Eddie Saint, Sam Digman, Dan Shuttleworth and Aaron Smith

Finishers: Sam McDonald, Niall Combe and Karl Thompson.

Regional Two North

Consett RFC v Percy Park RFC

Brave comeback as Wrigley gets his prediction woefully wrong

Percy Park travelled to Amethyst Park rather depleted in numbers and their cause was not helped when second row forward Josh Hedley decided to have a nap before kickoff. Having got over that drama, Josh was joined by Howard Stock on the injured list when the player pulled his hamstring in that same warm up. Fortunately, Howard was able to continue, albeit it didn’t take a physio scientist see the player wasn’t firing on all cylinders. Not the greatest of starts. Not to be downhearted the lack of established players on the team sheet allowed the faithful to run the eye over some up-and-coming combatants; and they didn’t disappoint with Niall Coombe making a strong statement for a run in the side.

That unfortunate start to proceedings carried on into the fixture and made a mockery of Jamie Wrigley’s pre match lunch prediction that Percy Park would win by 100 points to nil. Four minutes was on the clock when Consett crossed our line to take a seven-point lead. Consett enjoyed all the early possession and a skillful drive was stopped short outside, or on, the 22. Numbers counted with Percy Park unable to defend the space Consett’s 15 walked into.

Percy Park wasn’t getting the ‘rub of the green’ as the Durham Society referee was letting the game flow with advantage to the team going forward. Although we got our hands over and onto the ball the decision wouldn’t go our way. The game also failed to stop when the tackled player continued, even though he had both knees and a hand on the floor. We needed hands on ball and some go forward of our own. Matters weren’t helped when Niall Coombe missed his defensive tackle (one of the very few mistakes the player made on the day) allowing space behind which was ruthlessly exploited. The scoring Consett man evading several tackles and continued over the line with Paul Spowart hanging on his back. With the score at 14 to nil and eight minutes played it looked all ‘uphill’ for the visiting team.

The second score seemed to settle the Park side with the forward pack starting to assert their influence on the game. A nudge on in the scrum gave Park advantage going forward and as the ball came down the line a score looked possible, until a unsympathetic bullet pass cannoned off waiting hands. Still, it was progress. We were competing.

Andrew Walker got his hands over the ball, although he hung on the decision did not go his way. We needed bodies in to convince the referee that we wanted to go forward. Realisation dawned following really good work from Nathan Coxon. Nathan shows real promise. The player has quick feet and good strength. We flooded the ruck area and Consett were bounced back. The referee allowed the game to go. Unfortunately, we didn’t take advantage. But the signs were there that the pendulum was beginning to swing our way. Percy Park began to dominate the set piece. The only time Consett got an advantage was by pushing before the ball went in. Even then they couldn’t get clean ball.

A take at the line out by Matty Atkinson was delivered to the onrushing Eddie Saint. As the ball reached his hands Eddie took his eye off the pass and the ball tumbled to the floor. Consett continued to try and get the nudge on in the scrum, failing as hooker Dan Shuttleworth contested their ball. On one occasion he fractionally missed taking the ball against the head. Park were turning the screw and the home support knew it. Consett went to the dark arts holding scrum half Tom Robinson in. Eddie Saint stepped over and got his hands on and on this occasion, we got the shout. It was all about getting forward. Consett didn’t like it and were marched back 10. Park kept the pressure on with Andrew Walker bundled into touch as he sought to take advantage of a line out move. We were knocking on the door and the try came on the half hour mark.

A boot from Andrew Walker spiraled to, just, outside the Consett 22. The throw in was long and overthrown with Dan Shuttleworth collecting at the back. One way traffic as the player crossed the line. Try converted. 14-7. Game on.

A ferocious tackle from Kieran Sutherland had the ground on its feet. Park flooded the contact area and we went forward. Dogged defending from Consett kept the Tyneside team at bay. Another Andrew Walker kick found Kieran Sutherland; the player desperately unlucky not to collect. The resulting scrum wheeled and Consett were given another shot. This time they went backwards and with the penalty decision Park elected to go to the scrum. With the ball at the back Percy Park went forward. Good combination play saw Aaron Smith crash over for a very good forwards try. Score converted 14 all.

Percy Park were in the ascendency and certainly didn’t want the half time whistle to come. Niall Coombe picked the ball out the middle of a ruck and with nobody at home strode into the Consett half. Consett weren’t happy. The referee seeing nothing wrong allowed play to continue. We made really good progress and engineered a 3 onto 2. All we had to do was keep the ball, Consett were pedaling. And that was what we didn’t do. Park kicked the ball away and we went into the half with the faithful knowing we had wasted an attempt on their goal line.

Percy Park started the second half really well. Our forwards were making the hard yards. Aaron Smith and Matty Atkinson combined to take us deep into Consett territory. The ball went to the corner. From the line out Consett were guilty of a little ‘skullduggery’ and found themselves down to 14. Not resting on their laurels Park took advantage and shoved Consett back with Niall Coombe playing heads up rugby to see the gap and get over the line. Try converted 21 to 14. Advantage the away side. Consett a man down.

Mark Sanderson made his way onto the pitch as he replaced tight head Matty Atkinson who left the field with a shoulder injury. Consett also lost their hooker to injury. Percy Park continued to play with a good shape. Nathan Coxon was unlucky not to score as his foot drifted into touch. Park needed to take numerical advantage. The Consett coach was prowling the line organizing his team’s defensive alignment, trying to run the clock down. They succeeded. Back to parity. A strong period of defense moved Percy Park back from the home 22 to the half way line and drawing the penalty. A long kick had Percy Park defending our line. We didn’t pressure the throw and allowed Consett to come on. Kieran Sutherland managing to get his body under the ball. Play went back to a Consett throw in. Thankfully the throw in was that bad we cleared our lines.

For some reason we couldn’t hold onto the ball. Rash mistakes allowed the pendulum to swing back to the Durham side. Twice we were fortunate to hold Consett up on our line. The home side were running good lines and at times we looked ragged. The pressure eventually telling as Consett managed to breach our defense. 21 points to 21.

Young Sam McDonald entered the fray for Howard Stock. Our stand in Captain had put in a good shift and he has our thanks for staying on the field for as long as he did. We were creaking. A game of kick tennis was ended by a poor return from Paul Spowart. A kick that did not go unnoticed as Paul was invited to join the Consett captain in the traditional boat race after the game. The return collected and Consett strode into acres of room. Giving away a penalty in front of our posts was the minimum of damage that might have occurred. 24 to 21. Advantage to the home side.

The game became a bit scrappy and we started to bicker. Honestly wish we could cut that out. Encouragement from the coaching team on the sidelines took us forward attracting a kickable penalty just off centre of the Consett posts. Take the kick and we are even. Inexplicably the penalty kick goes to the corner and we lose possession. Cue more bickering.

As we tire, we start to lose some structure. Ross Young, who has enjoyed a good game throughout, wrestled the ball back. Paul Spowart putting in a monster kick to keep the home side at bay. Gaps were appearing and only a superb chase back and tackle from Andrew Walker prevented a further score. We were hanging on and many of the away support were ruing that opportunity to level the score. Losing bonus points at the forefront of thoughts. Karl Thompson was playing his heart out, encouraging his team forward. The opposite team player coach taking Karl out to keep him away from the action.

And it was that tiredness that told. On the halfway line Tom Robinson was caught at the back of a ruck and as he cleared, or attempted to, Karl Thompson received the ball in an offside position. The clock was ‘running down’ and after a word with the referee the Consett flyhalf elected to kick at goal. And what a shot. The ball clearing the cross bar to gain his team 3 points and ensuring a valuable 6 points distance. 27 to 21

Two minutes remained and Park needed to convert. We tried but in reality, didn’t really look like scoring. On the last play Tom Robinson was on hand to snuff out a threatening attack. 27 to 21 the final score.

The positives on the day was the emergence of several young players. Coombe and Coxon had good games with young Sam McDonald showing some nice touches. Our forwards are a good unit. Work on the training paddock is paying off. When we get through this period of injuries I’m confident that we can turn losing games into victories.You never know Ross might even win a boat race.

Representing Percy Park RFC:

From 15: Andrew Walker, Nathan Coxon, Ross Young, Howard Stock, Kieran Sutherland, Paul Spowart and Tom Robinson.

From 8: Leo Caulfield, Jake Smith, Niall Coombe, Eddie Saint, Karl Thompson, Matty Atkinson, Daniel Shuttleworth and Aaron Smith.

Finishers: Sam McDonald and Mark Sanderson.

Regional Two North

Percy Park RFC 50 v Carlisle RFc12

Mixed reaction as Park fall out of love with Rikki.

 

It is hard to work out which way to report on this game. After the Morpeth fixture Percy Park needed a performance and needed a result. They had the performance, in part, and got the result. A convincing 50 to 12 win. Yet a penalty count of 20 against and 4 for, the majority in the second half, plus 3 yellow cards and a failure to abide by any instruction given by the referee communicates a different narrative. Where do you begin?

Carlisle RFC made the trip along the A69 with a very young side. With two players hurt in the warm up they started the fray on the back foot. That lack of available numbers came back to haunt them with a vengeance. Percy Park fielded a strong side and started the contest really well. That well the faithful expected a landslide. The Carlisle support had their heads in their hands as injuries to key players took their toll. Although we constructed some really good try’s we didn’t kick on. To the faithful the half time score was slightly disappointing. Come the second half the Carlisle support were on their feet encouraging their team forward as we fell out of love with the referee. Our penalty count and yellow cards allowed the visitors to come onto us. Although we fashioned good scores within the context of this match, some where we were numerically disadvantaged, against better sides we wouldn't have got away with half of what we were able to get away with.. And that is no disrespect to Carlisle at all. So in pondering the question maybe the best place to start is with our Head Coach Ash Smith, who gave his reflection on the contest; underlining that we still have a lot to do if we are to challenge at the top of Regional 2 North.

‘’Much better response form the lads this weekend than last time out against Morpeth. Our main focus of the day was about putting in a performance rather than the result, but in the end I think we got both. Mentally, we showed a bit more cohesion off and on the pitch but still have a lot to work on if we are going to push for the top spots in this league.

I thought some lads put in a class shift in defence, Jake Smith back in the squad was mint connecting with the backs and made some really dominant hits, Howard and Seb in the middle had some brilliant defensive reads.

Charley Miller had a good starting debut, kept the ball moving in attack and I was really impressed with Jonny Dubois's physicality after a lengthy while on the side lines.’’

Percy Park’s first score came on 8 minutes. A bouncing pass from a line out was gathered by Josh Hedley who took the word bounce to another level crossing the line for a converted try. Percy Park dominated the set piece yet couldn’t quite get their flow in the loose. The faithful could sense that Carlisle were hanging on and that we had the ability to put the game to bed really early on. Why it didn’t quite happen will be down to post match analysis from the coaching team. Twenty three minutes in and the false starts were left behind as the pack destroyed the Carlisle scrum. Taking the ball against ‘the head’. The ‘8’ pick-up and pass gained good ground with Jamie Wrigley being the recipient of really good ball to score a converted try that owed a lot to speed and strength. 14-0 the score.

A really poor lineout from the home side put us in a spot of bother. The ball lofted high above any recipients head. The subsequent Carlisle throw in showed the home side how to move in the line. Carlisle were unlucky not to score. Thankfully five minutes later Jamie Wrigley was on hand to exhibit good movement of our own, utilising good genes, he cut through and powered over. 21-0

On the 35 minute mark Jake Smith benefitted from the catch and drive. Taking the penalty advantage off the scrum, Park ‘kind of’ butchered the opportunity to score with the ball appearing to ricochet off a hand or knee. Brought back to the penalty Percy Park drove forward with Jake Smith ‘dotting’ down. The conversion missed.

The game was paused for several minutes as a Carlisle player took an accidental blow to the head as he attempted to tackle a free running Seb Reece. An animated discussion took place between the referee, the physio and the Carlisle bench on Head Injury Assessments and the requirement, or not, of a player leaving the field of play. Fortunately the player was fit to continue but unfortunately for Percy Park Seb Reece tweaked his hamstring in the collision.

Worse was to follow as Jamie Wrigley allowed a poorly cleared ball to bounce in front of him before attempting the gather. The kick might have been poor but the follow up chase was not. As Wrigley attempted to dive onto and gather the ball the Carlisle player went to kick through to the open space behind. Boot made collision with shoulder and Wrigley clearly felt the impact. Although the player resolutely played on it was apparent to all he was hurt. Eventually making his way off the field.

At the turnaround we were 26 points to the good.

The second half quickly descended into a flourish of yellow cardboard. What happened at the breakdown can only be described by someone who has better eyesight than me. What I could see was that we were repeatedly going backwards and being admonished by the referee. We were definatly on a warning. Having lost ground, and in our 22, Josh Hedley failed to take a step back and in doing launched a marginally late hit on an opposite number. Having felt the verbal wrath of the referee it was no surprise when the yellow card was brandished. Park down to 14.

Try Carlisle. Carlisle kept the ball on the front foot rolling around Percy Park defenders until there was no-one left to support a despairing Paul Spowart. The Carlisle tight hand crashing the ball down on the turf with genuine malice between the posts. Somehow the conversion failed to go over.

Percy Park shuffled their cards from the bench. A frustrating period as we failed to read the game and kept kicking ball away . We needed a spark to take us out of the malaise and that spark came off the physicality of Jonny Dubois and Sam Digman as they took on the Carlisle defence. With Carlisle dropping back, scrum half Charley Miller was able to move the ball down the line with Ross Young targeting the defences weaker shoulder to cross. Try converted.

At this point the Park faithful were unusually quiet. Fortunately Matty Atkinson started warming up by skipping up and down the touchline to his mother reciting a nursery rhyme ‘’Mary, Mary, quite contrary How does your garden grow? With silver bells, and cockle shells, and pretty maids all in a row’’. Laughter and smiles abounded and that mood was enhanced as skipping prop entered the fray to the tones of ‘Mary Mary’ and went into orbit as Howard Stock scored a really good try. Tom Robinson restored to scrum half used his forwards to punch a hole. Capitalising on broken defence the player darted through before off-loading to the supporting Howard Stock. A good effort. 38 to 5 the score.

That good feeling soon disappeared as the referee and Percy Park failed to kiss and make up with Michael Langlands seeing yellow for a high hit on the Carlisle scrum half. Personally I thought this one was harsh. Contact looked to be below the shoulder. Carlisle created an opening in the line where the scrum half could receive the ball and work through the space in front. Michael Langlands saw the danger and closed the door. The referee adjudging the tackle was high and with force .Yellow card. All I can say is that the referee was nearer, and as I have mentioned before, I haven’t got 20/20 vision.

Carlisle made a ‘good fist’ of the extra body scoring in the corner. The referee ensuring that the Cumbrian player hadn’t entered touch first.

Percy Park reshuffled with Andrew Walker playing a more prominent role at fly half. Under manned Park kept and moved the ball well.

Eating up territory. A quick ball off Tom Robinson found the hands of 'Mary' who was able to move the ball onto to the advancing hands of Jonny Dubois. Dubois took a really good line on the angle and fending off two attempted tackles the player scored under the posts. A well taken and constructed try. Dubois was having a fine game at hooker and was in his element leading the line. So much so that the referee had to have a few words. And that relationship continued to deteriorate further as we continued to ignore his instructions at the breakdown. Again, defending in our 22, Eddie Saint was dispatched to the bin on a team yellow for persistently ignoring instructions.

Chris Reekie was putting in a shift and the sparring between Dubois and former Park player Harry Watson continued to fester. And boy were we falling out with the man in the middle.

The only spark of joy came from a blistering run from Howard Stock, full of quick feet. With the line begging the pass failed to go to hand. Really unlucky. The game started to spark a little with Josh Hedley then Tom Robinson getting into a small altercations. Fortunately Sam Digman was loitering about to power over from the ruck, and in doing, clam Robinson’s ire. Mind Robinson was getting a bit of stick. The player received the wrath of the Carlisle support for taking time out during, and as the game was ongoing, to speak to his girlfriend who apparently wasn’t his girlfriend because his girlfriend was at home. I think its proably best if I leave it there!.

Final score 50 points to 12.

A post-match injury review did not bring good news with Seb Reece and Jamie Wrigley picking up some significant knocks. Both players looking at being on the side lines for a while.

Represententing Percy Park RFC:

From 15: Jamie Wrigley, Tom Robinson, Howard Stock, Seb Reece, Ross Young, Paul Spowart and Charley Miller

From 8: Michael Langlands, Leo Caulfield, Jake Smith, Josh Hedley, Eddie Saint, Sam Digman, Jonny Dubois and Aaron Smith

Finishers: Chris Reekie, Matty Atkinson and Andrew Walker.

 

Regional 2 North

Percy Park RFC 15 v Morpeth RFC 46

Knock on Saturday produces a tough day at the office.

 

The faithful were still streaming through the gate as Percy Park endured one of their worst starts in a game for eons. As the ‘men on the gate’ made their way pitch side we were 19 points down and latecomers were demanding a refund. The Morpeth support were in raptures and the Percy Park faithful were reaching for the ‘book of excuses’. In whatever way we were able to sugar-coat the start, the plain truth is in a simple statement…. In those opening minutes we were poor. Sometimes you have to put your hands up and accept it. As the game progressed we got a lot better, especially in the second half, and to our teams credit they made Morpeth work hard for their victory. The question that abounded was how had it gone so tragically wrong? Our victory against Westoe was a joy to see with Park back to their mercurial best, but how could we go from there to here in such a short leap? We have never backed away from questioning or looking for improvement. It is one of our strengths. To gain insight thoughts were obtained from an on field and off field perspective, not forgetting those from the faithful…well only those that can be put into print!

Head Coach Ash Smith was straight to the point ‘Tough day at the office for us. Between some unavailability and training issues we had a reshuffle in the backs. Tactically we didn’t execute how we wanted to play. We talked around patience and being smart in how we manipulate them but we lacked a bit of cohesion in certain areas of the field. Something that we need to develop with some inexperience in key positions. We spoke afterwards, if we hadn’t handed them 25 points, it’s a close game, but not being able to control yourself emotionally in a big game is key ,which leads to lack of wanting to make the collision or making simple errors such as knock-ons, missing line outs, tackles and kick offs. Lots to work on and a steep learning curve for some of our players’.

Leading the coaching team on the field Michael Langlands had this to say: ‘Frustrating, we coughed up the ball too easily and they capitalised on our mistakes. Set piece went well. We are a better team than the score line suggested. I thought we played well in sections of the game, with good hands and running angles. But then coughed the ball up in red area. Frustrating’

The musing of the faithful was around selection. And they weren’t that far away in their beliefs. Thoughts that were answered by Ash Smith. Players that had performed well against Westoe had been selected in different areas and on the day failed to reach those heights. Confusion overflowed in the 1872 bar. It was difficult to comprehend and the tables were ‘a buzz’ with conversation. You could understand where they were going with their notions. What it did reflect was the passion held for their team. It truly was a tough day at the office.

Backsides had hardly touched plastic pads in the stand as Morpeth ran in their first. From a scrum, where we got the nudge on, Morpeth went backwards managing to get the ball out for ex Park wing Jonny Ward to collect a grubber kick and round his man to score. Although we were doing well in the ‘front 5’, Morpeth’s 8 was in fine form and always managed to get his team on the front foot. Their second try came from a delayed pass, that went behind the back of the rush defence, and with nobody covering Seb Reece’s right shoulder the ball was ran in with ease. A hash at the restart brought us back to the scrum, from which we had the away side going backwards, then…well it’s not worth going there. It’s sufficient to say 19 nil to the visitors.

Another hash at the restart brought the game back to the scrum. Again we did well in that area with the Morpeth 8 scrambling the pick-up. He drove forward into acres of space and put runners at the retreating Park defensive line. With Morpeth looking odds on to score again a communication mix up between their outside centre and wing saw a bouncing ball. Taking the handbrake off, Jamie Wrigley collected the ball and scorched down the left wing, leaving a trail of red and white in his wake to score. 5 to 19. The start of a recovery? We hoped.

Percy Park started to play and Morpeth were camped in their half. We were running some great angles and punching holes. We looked good but the Morpeth back row looked better. Milliseconds off in the support had the visitors ‘6, 7 and 8’ over the ball. Gaining penalties and relieving the pressure. Park kept it on. Our forwards were aggressive.

The game played ‘within the 22’s’ until an unfortunate knock on gave Morpeth territorial advantage. Winning the ball back our exit was good. The ball returned and we knocked on. Back to the scrum. Fortunately we were doing well there. And yes Morpeth went backwards. 8 picked up and drove his team forward onto the front foot. He really was a good player. The contest going to a pattern. Ball swung out to the left. The pace of the ball put the Morpeth strike winger in acres of room to score in the corner. He really couldn’t miss. 5 points to 24 the score. Percy Park had to find a way to tie in Morpeth’s back row; the response from our coaching team was immediate.

Chris Reekie, on his return to the fold from a stint of working away in the capital, entered the fray from the back row. Percy Park went to the forwards with Matty Atkinson, Josh Hedley and Chris Reekie driving and tying in. A penalty was given and we went to the corner. Back to the forwards. Eddie Saint and Josh Hedley making their presence felt. Morpeth were on the line and defending hard. The Park eight just kept going with Michael Langlands receiving a pop pass from Tom Robinson to spin over the line. A good try. Conversion missed 10 points to 24.

The game was levelling out. Jonny Ward made a lot of ground before being caught. Our exit was good until we left the ball lying at the back before the ruck had been formed. Morpeth’s 8 was on it like a shot. The pass went to hand although player and ball were bundled into touch. Throw to Park. The overthrow was horrible. A right mix up with the call to the back meant we didn’t jump. Straight into the hands of the ‘blindside’, mixed with a couple of hand offs, the Morpeth ‘6’ scored between the posts. From the restart we knocked-on.

Many years ago there was a famous match report that described a wheel coming off a bus. On this occasion the back tyre was rolling down the hill. 10 points to 29 and into the half time huddle.

On match days Percy Park are running an experienced coaching team having been joined by ex-Blaydon Captain Keith Laughlin. The faithful knew we had to make changes if we were to rescue anything from this game. Not to be disappointed, the team rang the bell and shuffled the cards. Thomas Moore went to centre, Paul Spowart to 10, Andrew Walker to wing and Sam Digman to loose head.

With renewed optimism the game restarted. That optimism was enhanced when we started walking Morpeth back in the scrum and further encouraged when a Morpeth centre was given the ‘cheese’ for upending Jamie Wrigley in the air. The faithful smelt a try. Percy Park applied the pressure and that try looked likely until we…knocked-on. Ball returned and we made a hash of the collect. Knock-on. Morpeth scrum. We went back to the earlier pattern of the Morpeth 8 picking up and being supported by his 6. The away pressure remained until we received a line out. Morpeth disrupted. Our forwards counter but we were unable to get out of our half to make the additional number count. A very poor box kick gave the ball away again and in the resulting ruck we give away a penalty. Josh Hedley hitting the ruck from outside the gate. Loved his reaction though. Passion. Taken. 10 points to 32.

Worse was to come. Matty Atkinson lost the ball in the tackle and the bouncing ball was seized on by the Morpeth back row, who then played ‘pass the ball’ until they got under our posts. Try converted. On a positive note the forwards, led by the player who made the mistake, made good ground. Passion. We were on their line. Sam Digman making his presence felt.

The Park bench made another change introducing Charley Miller to scrum half. The player took his opportunity and put in an impressive shift on his debut. Percy Park remained on Morpeths line. A good period in the game. I honestly thought we were over on a couple of occasions. Morpeth were living by the ‘skin of their teeth’.

Then came the dreaded knock-on. From the resulting scrum Morpeth went backwards with the 8 struggling to clear. Captain Seb Reece, anticipating the floated pass to clear, made an attempt to intercept. Fingertips caressed the ball but he was unable to collect. Whistle went and yellow card shown.

Percy Park continued to play well. There appeared to be a better balance in their side. Our forwards were putting in a good shift. They look an impressive unit. Jamie Wrigley went down with cramp and had to be replaced. His energy coming onto the ball was missed. Park missed a couple of opportunities to creep back into the game, but they kept at it, receiving their reward when Andrew Walker dotted down following an astute kick through from Tom Robinson. A good race that the winger won much to the delight of the watching faithful. Passion was being shown on and off the pitch. If we could harness that a bonus point could be in our reach.

We endeavoured and tried. Charley miller was giving his all, getting his forwards driving Morpeth backwards. Then that horrible hyphened word crept in. The one that begins with the letter K. This time, in the tackle, Eddie Saint dropped the ball. The mistake was seized upon. Try scored. 15 points to 46 the score and there it remained.

On a personal note the author believes that we deserved a bonus point. Despite the loss there was real passion shown and our forwards, to an 8, played well and did not give up. The start was horrible. Against Morpeth we were never going to recover. To quote our Head coach Ash Smith ‘Lots to work on and a steep learning curve for some of our players’

Representing Percy Park RFC

From 15: Jamie Wrigley, Toby Davison, Paul Spowart, Seb Reece, Thomas Moore, Andrew Walker and Tom Robinson

From 8: Michael Langlands, Leo Caulfield, Aaron Horvarth, Josh Hedley, Eddie Saint, Matty Atkinson, Dan Shuttleworth and Aaron Smith

Finishers: Chris Reekie, Sam Digman and Charley Miller.