Regional 2 North

Penrith RUFC 43 v Percy Park RFC 35

Its rugby not netball!

A small contingent of the travelling faithful decided to make a weekend of what appeared to be a very attractive fixture to watch. Two sides capable of playing fast open rugby where the result was not certain; what was there not to like? We received a wonderful welcome in a local curry house where the conversation flowed around Newcastle United being a far bigger football club than Sunderland.The night meeting its bleary end in a dodgy bar playing country and western music. Surprisingly one of our number knew all the words to all of the songs! What followed was a weekend of exaggerated revelations and a breakfast reminder of lovers long gone.

Dressed to the nines and smothered in ‘Brut’, we were met by a carriage that barely resembled a motor vehicle. Thankfully a short journey up the hill brought the travelling companions to their destination of choice. There we met old friends who added to the bonhomie with more drink and good fare. The afternoon was set as we wandered over to the stand to watch our heroes in action on a premier RFU AGP pitch. Pristine plastic appreciated by one of the fellows remarking “It looks pretty flat” stunned silence was followed by mirth coupled with a gentle Cumbrian rebuke “It should do mate it cost enough”. The scene was set and all around were in good fettle.

Penrith started the game with real pace. Pace that rocked Park. For some reason we couldn’t lose our bus legs. Within 4 minutes we were a try down and had our first encounter with one of Roger Hargreaves Mr Men prowling within the Penrith technical area. We couldn’t decide whether he was Mr Grumpy or just plain Mr Rude. His side had scored a fine try from a quick ‘tap and go’ utilising space provided by the referee to blitz behind the Park defensive line. Really fast hands had Penrith darting toward the top left hand corner. The support play was really good with the home side crossing the try line as Percy Park desperately tried to cover. Instead of praising his side, Mr Grumpy complained about late tackles intimating that we were a dirty side “If that’s the way you want to play it”. He was buzzing around like a Bee caught in a glass. He obviously didn’t know us as that statement was wearily ridiculous, but at least the travelling support was able to appreciate Penrith’s fast start.

It took two additional minutes for that appreciation to be enhanced. From the kick off Penrith’s 6 Mason Lewthwaite broke the line and the subsequent offload was sublime. Straight through for James Thompson to score his second. 14 nil down and we hadn’t touched the ball! From a home side perspective, you couldn’t have wished for more. For ourselves it was a disaster.

On ten minutes Penrith nearly had a third. A knock on brought a fluid move to the end. The off load from the floor didn't go to hand. Scrum to Percy Park. If you are wondering what was happening to Mr Rude you needn’t worry as he was still caught in his glass. The scrum brought Percy Park some respite. We drew breath and dominated the set piece. Here was a glimpse of the area where we could get ourselves back into the contest. Shrink the game and we had a chance. At this conjecture we couldn’t see it (that would come later) and as we went forward, we tried to move the ball wide only for Paul Spowart to get stripped by Lewthwaite. The Penrith flanker was off and despite valiant high knees chase from hooker Dan Shuttleworth, Lewthwaite was over the line to score. The conversion missed. 19 points to nil, 16 minutes gone and Mr Rude was out of the glass complaining about something or other. He really needed to calm down. The whining brought a frustrated “Its rugby not netball” response from the fellowship.

Another scrum brought Percy Park a free ball. We went to the middle only for Leo Caulfield to have the ball stripped from his possession. Head coach Ash Smith took control and took us down the line to a position where we could attack. The throw was good. We rolled off Josh Hedley. Power and strength took us over, with Jonny Dubois getting the all-important ‘touchdown’. Conversion taken. 19-7. Strangle the game by keeping the ball in the forwards and we had our way back in.

Not only had we had a dawning moment so had Penrith. The Cumbrian side wanted a fast game and at the next scrum moved the ball straight from their 8 to their backs. Although we were off the side quickly we failed to release and the penalty was kicked deep into our 22. Their lineout was disrupted by our forwards. The scrum award won and the ball was cleared. Penrith knew they had to keep the ball moving as we had the advantage in the tight. A lesson not lost on scrum half George Graham who ducked under Michael Langlands flailing arm and was in behind. Sharp passing, coupled with Toby Davison missing the covering tackle, allowed Rob Coward to score the try. 26 points to 7.

Everything Penrith did was about pace. A quick line out came to nothing but we kicked through at the ruck. The penalty was taken…quickly…and Penrith kept the ball alive from the floor. Players constantly moving. Percy Park failed to bring the ball carrier to the wrap up. Penrith went around a static Tristan Grant to score under the posts. A good try. 33 points to 7 and for once Mr Bee was silent. Maybe he was starting to appreciate Mason Lewthwaite’s performance. The player was putting in a shift.

Percy Park started to slow the game down with meaningful possession. Some unfortunate errors gave the ball back; for example Chris Reekie passed the ball into space, Andrew Walker kicked away and Ash Smith was loose with a pass as we found ourselves in a favourable position. Despite the mishaps you could feel we were turning the contest around. Communication in defence was improving and that aided Howard Stock as he put in a great covering tackle. Dan Shuttleworth was getting annoyed. His comrades in the pack encouraging and demonstrating that same determination. All that effort came together from a well worked line out move. Penrith were penalised for not releasing. Ash Smith launched a kick along the line. Percy Park went short with Josh Hedley releasing Chris Reekie to crash over. Conversion taken 33-14 and into the half time team talk.

The second half belonged to the away side. Ash Smith had a handle on the game and his team listened. No sounds of bickering and that silence had the travelling support rubbing their hands. Despite the scoreline you knew if we stuck together we could win the game. Deluded not at all. Penrith had another fast start scoring off the back of the scrum. Going down the blind side with the kick ahead collected. 40-14. The scorer Mason Lewthwaite leaving the field thereafter with what looked like a hamstring tweak.

Percy Park remained in control penalising every infringement by peppering the line, taking Penrith to the set piece. With the home side penalised for holding on the subsequent lineout went to the pick and go. Penrith struggled to contain the Park pack, picking up a yellow card for persistent infringement in the red zone. Further penalties attracted a lecture from the referee. Percy Park decided to take the scrum. As scrum half Joe Cassidy was about to release he was unlawfully impaired. Back to the scrum and to the pick and go. A high tackle had the referee reaching for yellow and another home player despatched. Park had to score and that reward came from the youthful hands of debutante Charlie Turnbull who put Chris Reekie in space to score. Conversion taken 40-21.

Andy Dunn was using the personnel from the bench to inject energy into our performance. A short melee with Dan Shuttleworth in the midst. I’m told a Lancastrian and a Cumbrian rumble is a thing! Must have something to do with old border raids. What was evident? Park were coming back strongly and Penrith were struggling to contain what was now a very dominant Percy Park pack. Although Penrith were restored to 14 they couldn’t prevent another Percy Park score. Leo Caulfield picked a ball from the back of the scrum and set Captain Seb Reece away behind the Penrith defence before releasing wing Howard Stock to score a great try. His efforts converted by Ash Smith, who was having a fine game with the boot. 40 points to 28

Percy Park started to pick up a few injuries of their own with Josh Hedley and Tristan Grant leaving the arena. A reshuffle brought Andy Dunn to the fore. The changes did not affect Percy Park’s momentum with Leo Caulfield keeping Park on the front foot. Percy Park were keeping the ball really well and the physicality of the game was having an effect. Aaron Smith and a Penrith player receiving on field treatment. Park were camped in Penrith’s half. The home side were penalised for holding on. The home crowd along with the Penrith bench were turning on the referee. The tension was building as Percy Park grew. Chris Reekie went on a trundle dragging players in. Although stopped the tackling player stayed there preventing quick ball. The penalty going to the line. Up we went and off the top. Aaron Smith was on hand to muscle over. Conversion taken. 40-35 with three minutes to go.

George Graham had been a handful all game and for the first time in the second half he managed to get loose of the black and white shackle, slipping past a few defenders. The home bench were on their feet. Swift feet took him to our 22 before a fair-haired rocket took him to the floor. Charlie Turnbull chasing the player down to save a possible score. Knock on Percy Park. A Caulfield pick at the back took the game to the middle. We looked good for a break along the blind until the game broke up with a brief flurry of moving arms. It was hard to say who threw the first and to be fair to the referee neither could he. Both captains were brought together and a stern warning was given to both sides.

The resulting play went wide with Percy Park penalised for going in at the side. Penalty to Penrith with a difficult kick from out wide. The home support rejoiced as word filtered that the penalty was the last kick of the game. All we could hope for was the miss. A successful kick would result in the loss of a hard-earned bonus point. As we watched Fraser Nicholson studiously studied the posts before striking high. The kick was good and it has to be said well taken. The punt met with cheers as the game was brought to the close by 43 points to 35.

Congratulations to Penrith for winning a highly entertaining contest. With a better start I am in no doubt that Percy Park could have won and it was testament to their collective that they did so well. Criticism was levelled last week surrounding our ability to self-destruct by disputing decisions and bickering. The lack of all that bane appeared to bring a togetherness to claw their way back into a contest that seemed dead and buried. Many thanks to Tristan Grant for putting himself forward whilst carrying an injury and to Dan Jackson for stepping up to the bench only to rush home to get back to work and finally congratulations to Charlie Turnbull on making his first team debut. His youthful enthusiasm caught the eye.

Representing Percy Park RFC:

From 8: Michael Langlands, Leo Caulfield, Jonny Dubois, Josh Hedley, Chris Reekie, Tristan Grant, Dan Shuttleworth and Aaron Smith

From 15: Toby Davison, Andrew Walker, Seb Reece, Paul Spowart, Howard Stock, Ash Smith and Joe Cassidy

Finishers: Andrew Dunn, Charlie Turnbull and Dan Jackson.

Regional 2 North

Durham City RFC 5 v Percy Park RFC 31

Scrummage delight as Durham struggle with yellow

For the first time this season the author is struggling to find any subject matter to wax lyrical. Drama usually follows Percy Park on match day Saturday allowing many a word to be written. On a damp overcast afternoon deep in a Durham hollow, Percy Park were efficiently ruthless in their trade that a ‘game’ Durham side had nowhere to go but the Referees notebook. Three yellow cards blotted their day, yet in their defence they were under so much pressure that persistent offending could be forgiven, as they tried to cope with a dominant Percy Park pack. If we are to find any criticism of our performance it is our ability to unnecessarily ‘bicker’ with each other (even when the game is going well) and to question referee’s decisions. Being marched back for a careless word really is a bane, especially when it gives the opposition ability to clear their half.

The day started well. Team dispatch was really positive. The news that Ash Smith was returning to our back line at fly half brought an eager anticipation of the game ahead. His return coupled with the announcement that speedster Jamie Wrigley would be at strike, ‘wet the lips’ with the hope that our back line would let loose. With Sam Digman taking a berth in the second row, adding that little bit of grit into an already impressive pack, assured the bonhomie as we took our seats for the journey south toward the land of the Prince Bishops. Our jolly red-faced driver, who bore a remarkable resemblance to TinTin dressed as an eskimo, provided the entertainment, arriving at Hollowdrift in a time that could only be beaten by Concorde. All we needed now was for our team to deliver and they did that in some style taking only 32 seconds to register their first try of the day.

Durham City kicked off; kicking long into the hands of centre Ross Young as the player lingered behind the Percy Park receivers. The ball went left through the hands of Ash Smith arriving into the grateful hands of Jamie Wrigley. Progress was made along the left wing before the covering tackle was beaten by the pass inside to Captain Seb Reece. Reece took his team deep into home territory before chipping the ball into space and around the full back. Jamie Wrigley was on his shoulder to collect and take the ball behind the posts to score. With Smith taking the easiest of conversions, Park were ahead by 7.

Durham restarted the game by delivering the ball back to Ross Young and (yes you’ve got it) we went wide. Only for Durham to scramble and break down the attack. The first scrum was all about Park. The away side dominated and Durham went backwards. Throughout the game Percy Park never lost that platform. Scrum half Charley Miller was enjoying the ride. His long pass to Young with Smith coming on the outside was causing all sorts of problems for the home side.

With the new tackle laws on the wind there was no surprise when the referee penalised Durham for a high tackle on hooker Dan Shuttleworth. Marginal yet something we are all going to have to get used to.

A missed tackle gave Durham their first foray. Ash Smith wept around with Toby Davison providing the clearing kick. Percy Park were playing with some elan. A bullet pass which cannoned off Michael Langlands chest prevented a try scoring opportunity. Park were hungry for the ball and working hard off it. Our desire to keep the ball was demonstrated by Charley Miller when he unwittingly took the ball off the Durham scrumhalf and attempted to place the ball in the tunnel whilst being tapped on the shoulder by the referee. Cannot knock youthful enthusiasm!

The home side began to enjoy some possession choosing to run the ball. A Josh Hedley tackle brought a meaningful attack to an end. The ball was being run on every occasion. An overthrow was collected by Miller and thrown down the line. The game was fast. Durham offended and the resulting penalty took Percy Park spiralling down the line. A catch and drive toward the try line was brought to the ground with the subsequent pick up and drive lost in the tackle. Not that it mattered as Percy Park took the ball ‘against the head’ and rocked Durham onto a sliding back foot. Michael Langlands kept the ball ‘at feet’ before providing the coup de grace. Conversion missed. Park ahead by 12.

Another great scrum by Park provided the platform to release Jamie Wrigley. The player was unable to beat the second man. The resulting line out wasn’t straight and Park went back to the scrum. Platform given and we went again. Frustrating as we lost the ball in the middle and although we won the next scrum we took too long to deliver. The faithful hoped that a pattern wasn’t emerging where we were wasteful of our possession. It was a momentary worry as Howard Stock collected a high ball with some panache releasing the marauding Jamie Wrigley. Park went with real pace onto the Durham try line. A touch of fortune at the ruck. A Charley Miller fumble aided by a stray hand went backwards to be collected by Ross Young who darted over the line to score. The conversion slid past the post. Park ahead by 17.

Durham were stung and came back to be met by some disciplined defence. A strong punch through by Durhams centre broke several tackles before he was enveloped by the covering players. Our forwards were working hard in defence covering the pitch, forcing the attacking player out wide and into touch. Park looked well organised and well drilled. As the half approached our erstwhile President made some remark that was met with derision and a comparison with a balloon! We were looking good at the turn and the faithful were relaxed and in good spirits. We even managed a conversation with ‘our Jobba’ going into some detail concerning wheat intolerance. It was inspiring stuff!

Durham received the ball to commence the second period of the game. They kept the ball well but went no where with it. Park’s defence was really good. Yet there is a saying ‘patience is a virtue’ and the home side kept plugging away. Percy Park absorbed. The line held albeit gradually creeping back toward our 22. Durham were enjoying a good period of possession, only to be held following a decent effort from the catch and drive. From the resulting melee the referee deemed Toby Davison to be offside in the red zone and dispatched the player to the bin on a yellow.

Although a man down Percy Park kept their shape and discipline stealing ball and clearing lines. Aaron Smith gave way to Mikey Fisher and Park reorganised. Impressive stuff from the away side. They kept ball and stayed in the Durham half. Jonny Dubois was putting in a shift. Durham frustration mounted with Durham’s Peter Dent being sent to the bin for clearing out Charley Miller. Fortunately, our ginger rocket bounced and shrugged off the bigger man’s attention with a roll and dodge move learnt on the Bigg Market paving stones.

Level numbers seemed to put our team in a little spin. We went off our feet giving the home side territory and when we did recover, we gave ball away with a poor line out. The travelling support were not downhearted for too long as our forwards destroyed Durham in the scrum. With dominance reasserted and Toby Davison restored to the game Percy Park attacked the line. A series of ‘pick and goes’ had Durham on the back foot and struggling to prevent forward momentum. The referees arm was in the air. Durham were infringing. Advantage was being played and only came to a stop when Josh Hedley was held up over the line. The action didn’t stop there as the referee went to his pocket dispatching a Durham player on another yellow. One went off and another came on with Peter Dent re-joining his side.

Percy Park really needed to score and that came from another scrum on Durham’s 5. An almighty shove got the pack moving and they didn’t stop until they were well over the line. The ball appeared to be at the back foot for an age which didn’t help one or two aging hearts in the stand. Leo Caulfield the scorer. Even then one of the travelling faithful wasn’t happy as the ball wasn’t grounded in between the posts! Park ahead by 24 points.

Paul Spowart replaced Toby Davison in the back line and moved to the 10 slot. Ash Smith shuffled along to 12 and Jamie Wrigley reverted back to his customary position at 15. Perhaps we were in too much control because we started to brass the referee off with chippy comments and yes we were walked back 10. The question all were asking was ‘Why do we have to do that?’ Fortunately, we got back to playing some rugby.

Durham knew that the game had gone and were playing for pride. The tackling became ferocious. We held our line and met fire with a little of our own. Albeit Ross Young took to the limp, being replaced by Toby Davison. A fine tackle by Seb Reece dented a Durham progression and some awesome ‘hands’ had Mikey Fisher taking a great line to break the home side defence. With the game in broken play Ash Smith put in a cross kick that just missed the waiting hand. Unlucky but great heads-up rugby. The Durham line out wasn’t straight and we went to the scrum with Andy Dunn replacing Jonny Dubois at 6. Seven and half minutes to go.

A great effort from the set piece had Park flowing forward. Jamie Wrigley causing all sorts of problems. The player was in the midst of all that Park were doing. Park were camped and looking for a way across the try line. A series of penalties came. The first for not rolling away. The second a back foot offence the third for being in front. The referee had had enough and the yellow was brandished high in the sky with the Durham 7 striding off head bowed. Percy Park took the scrum and drove Durham over the line for their final try of the game. Leo Caulfield once more. Try converted.31 nil with 3 minutes to go.

Andy Dunn took the ball in and we were a little slow getting over the ball. Tired bodies. Durham went with the quick penalty and went wide. Park shipped across. The home side kept the ball alive into our 22. We brought the attack to the stop, however a series of ‘pick and goes’ got them over for the consolation try. The missed conversion bringing the game to an end.

A great performance from our side that had Head Coach Ash Smith delighted “ We were dominant all over the pitch and our scrummaging won us the game. I think we could have scored a few more but overall really happy with the boys! Won 5 on the trot in the league so hoping we can extend that number by one away at Penrith next weekend”

Represententing Percy Park RFC:

From 15: Toby Davison, Jamie Wrigley, Seb Reece, Ross Young, Howard Stock, Ash Smith and Charley Miller.

From 8: Michael Langlands, Leo Caulfield, Jonny Dubois, Sam Digman, Josh Hedley, Matty Atkinson, Dan Shuttleworth and Aaron Smith.

Finishers: Mikey Fisher, Andrew Dunn and Paul Spowart.

The author reserves the right to eyesight failures and promises to award all tries in the future to Paul Spowart.

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