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.

Regional 2 North

Stockton RFC 15 v Percy Park RFC 24

Tenacity, grit and desire winning the day on the Tees and in Yorkshire

Slightly different report this week as your esteemed author was socialising ‘in the fax’, somewhere near Heath RFC, in the very attractive Calderdale Valley. Thoughts of a weekend off from constructing another literary masterpiece were quickly obliterated with consistent updates as the game progressed; along with the roller coaster thoughts of the faithful. Keeping ‘Enid’ glued to his phone was not helping domestic bliss as ‘mother of Matty’ began to flounce, mirroring the rolling dark clouds that were scudding across West Yorkshire skies. Come full time ‘Enid’ knew he had to find a ray of sunshine to lighten the mood. With the result producing a delighted smile a glimmer of hope emerged and ‘my little tarantula’ was whisked toward a quaint hostelry for a pint and a plate of chips. As conversation began to break the thaw, the game was discussed in detail and by the end of triple cooked chips harmony had been restored with a hearty ‘well done boys’ and an astute observation] ‘considering all of the injuries that was a big win’. It was and how the game unfolded was a tale of tenacity, grit and desire all of those qualities that Enid had to display in keeping ‘Mrs Enid’ onside.

With team selection being orchestrated by Caroline’s medical room the ‘black and whites’ travelled with a team somewhat different to the one we thought it would be. Michael Langlands and Howard Stock returning to the eighteen.

Conditions were okay despite a heavy rain and wind forecast. The rain stayed in Yorkshire and although there was a breeze there was no significant gusts that would affect the game one way or other.

Percy Park did not start well. Stockton seemed far more up for the game than we did. Veteran campaigners Stephen Jones at fly half and Scott Powell at ‘8’ ran the show for the home side.

Pressure from Stockton produced a poor clearance kick which saw their full back run the ball back. A string of missed tackles saw a try in the far-right hand corner. The try coming after only 3 minutes of play. The conversion was poor. Fortunately for Park the Stockton kicker had a bad day. The player didn’t get remotely close with any of his conversion attempts.

Stockton scored again after more poor tackling and fortuitously scored a 3^rd try from a kick pass. Steven Jones finding the right winger in space to score in the corner. The kick pass was more of a half volley as the intended pass to him went astray and he hoofed it cross field. The only blessing was that the Stockton kicker really did have lead in his boots. If the conversions had been taken, we were in trouble.

They were 15 - 0 up with less than 20 minutes gone and many of the faithful were looking for a quick get away at half time. We hardly had the ball and looked flat with little or no energy. Stephen Jones was heard saying to his team before the restart when 15 - 0 up, “don’t get too carried away, this lot are a good side and will come back at us” or words to that effect. Very prophetic as it turned out.

At last, we had some possession, our line out wasn’t firing and we kept throwing to the back and not securing ball, however the scrum was solid and we out muscled them. From a scrum in their 22 Charley Miller sniped through a gap to score and Paul Spowart kicked the conversion 15 -7.

Tom Robinson went off with an ankle injury and Howard Stock came on in the centre with Paul Spowart moving to 15. The substitutions had an effect. We carried more with a very vocal Howard Stock organising the side. His leadership skills seemed to lift the mood.

From a line out Park went to the ‘catch and drive’ and drove to the Stockton line. One of their forwards collapsed the maul and the ref sent him to the bin. It was either their 5 or 6 and the ref awarded a penalty try 15-14. Half time was looming but not before Stockton had a couple of scoring chances

We had far more possession and belief in the second half. As a precaution the coaching team replaced Sam Digman following a bang to the head. A penalty in our half saw Howard Stock take a quick tap and set off up field through the retreating home side. Ross Young took the pass and set off towards the line. Toby Davison crossing to score a fine try. Paul Spowart converting and we led 21-15. Albeit against all odds. Stockton had been playing well

Ross Young was getting more ball on the front foot and as a consequence was causing them some problems. We were awarded a penalty about 40 yards out which Paul Spowart missed. Soon after we had an advantage and a more kickable penalty was converted increasing the lead to 15 - 24. Stockton needed two scores to win and they looked jittery. The home side appeared visibly shocked at having relinquished a 15 - 0 lead and now getting nothing from the game.

With minutes to go they attacked. We held up a maul and from the scrum and a couple of trundles Toby Davison kicked the ball off the pitch for the win. Tenacity, grit and desire winning the day

A view from the touchline gave the following thoughts

“Typical slow start, good first up tackling in the forwards. Inexperienced backs caught out for the opening salvo. 15-0 up and Stockton start to get exuberant in celebrating. Jones the 10 shouts don’t get excited they are a good team. Stand out for me was Chris Reekie, his tackling stopped a number of dangerous situations with huge hits in the 22”

Many thanks to all for contributing enabling another jack-a-nory to take shape and remain forever recorded for future generations to pull apart.

Represententing Percy Park RFC

From 8: Michael Langlands, Leo Caulfield, Jake Smith, Karl Thompson, Chris Reekie, Sam Digman, Dan Shuttleworth and Aaron Smith.

From 15: Tom Robinson, Dan Jackson, Ross Young, Paul Spowart, Sam McDonald, Toby Davison and Charley Miller

Finishers: Jonny Dubois, Niall Combe and Howard Stock.

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.