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.

Northern Division.

Regional North 2

Percy Park RFC 61 v South Shields Westoe 17.

Langlands sets the tone in the sun aka

Wrigley lets go of the handbrake and scores…once

South Shields Westoe travelled the short distance across the Tyne hoping that Percy Park’s back line would continue to splutter and deceive. As grey clouds, promising rain, scudded across Tyneside skies the Westoe pack fancied their chances in the drizzle. With match time approaching the sun made an appearance, illuminating the Preston Avenue turf. The ground remained firm, the day dry and that worm of doubt entered the thoughts of the travelling Westoe support.

As the faithful flowed through the gate, talk abounded about perfect conditions for quick rugby, confidence soaring with the spoken word; true to their belief that this would be the game that could ignite Percy Park’s league campaign. Genuine excitement and eager anticipation as the home support found their cushions and headed to the stand, bought their beer and herded toward the balcony and lastly gathered together pitch side. As the whistle blew and the sides collided, Westoe gathered the ball and moved wide finding the hands of a predatory Michael Langlands, who gladly accepted the interception to score under the posts. The roar of celebration heard on nearby Northumberland Square. Percy Park was at home, on the scoresheet and the North Shields support were shouting their acclaim. As our southern neighbours slumped forward, you knew this was going to be our day.

With pre match nerves disappearing Tom Robinson was back to his mercurial best. Sniping and driving his pack forward. He was enjoying himself and why shouldn’t he? the pack are good and for a scrum half he was always on the front foot. The delivery to Paul Spowart was on the mark and our fly half cruised, whipping balls across his back line. Thomas Moore exploded into life and Captain Seb Reece ran the angles with power and pace. His energy rewarded with a try under the posts. Percy Park 14 points ahead with 10 minutes played. Could Westoe respond?

Poor defending let the Westoe 12 roam behind the line. As Park recovered, they were deep in their 22. Westoe flooded the ruck area gaining inches on the 'pick and go'. Percy Park defended their posts pushing their opponents out wide. Momentum carried the away team over for the try. The conversion was from wide right and missed. 14 to 5.

Undeterred Percy Park had the upper hand in the set piece and in the loose. Eddie Saint was having a great game.

Forward ball allowed the back line to cause real issue for the Westoe defence with Thomas Moore and Jamie Wrigley at the fore. Quick ball had wing Ross Young galloping forward. The winger cutting through the defence to score under the posts. His try was quickly followed by another, this time from opposite wing Toby Davison. A dominant scrum had Westoe going backwards. With the ball carried forward, Davison was on hand to finish. With Youngs try converted Park were ahead by 26 points to 5 and had the bonus point ‘in the bag’.

The Westoe and Percy Park front row had words. Tensions were boiling up and weren’t aided when debutant Aaron Horvarth was given a team yellow card for persistent infringement. Park were keen to get over the ball with referee Rebecca Rees attempting to control the gate. Enforcing her will, Horvarth was dispatched to the bin, when it was likely that Paul Spowart had taken the short cut. With Park down to 14 the home side conceded. Whilst the conversion was being taken, Coach Andy Dunn had a word with prop Matty Atkinson. Dunn being an experienced campaigner ensuring that, his player, remained focused on his job and not his opposite number. With the conversion missed, 26 ten was the score and we went to the turnaround.

The faithful were pleased to see Sam Digman return following an enforced rest. Park started the second half with real fire. They tore into Westoe. Thomas Moore was having an outstanding game. Seizing on a dropped ball Park drove forward. Moore demonstrating great reactions to score under the posts.

Shortly after Ross Young broke out of the defensive area brushing off several tackles with Thomas Moore on hand to support. The pass to Moore from Ross Young was a real highlight of the day. The pass perfectly timed as the defensive tackle took the wing about his mid riff. Skilful. With both try’s converted the score stood at 40 points to 10.

Restored to 15 Percy Park continued to show game dominance and Westoe’s cause was not helped when Thomas Moore gave a sublime off load to scrum half Tom Robinson. The scrum half ensuring the points. Moore was well on his game with confident runners about him. The backs were on form and enjoying their rugby. The home support was grinning from ear to ear and their earlier hopes, as they flooded through the gates, realised. When you look around the ground Percy Park generates great local support and they passionately follow their team.47-10.

Debutant Isaac Noakes got a run from the bench. The big rangy centre impressed every time he got his hands on the ball.

Westoe hit back. Their inside centre Derek Worthington was proving a handful and difficult to tackle. He was (for the older supporter) very similar to Marti Robson built with a low centre of gravity. Good defence work around the ruck was rewarded with a turnover. Some really big hits made. This time, with the handbrake off, full back Jamie Wrigley was the recipient of a superb exit which flowed across the full length of the pitch.54-10

Once again Worthington got behind the Park defensive line and on this occasion his efforts were rewarded as Westoe scored. In reality it was a consolation, as Percy Park went on to destroy the Westoe scrum. Tom Robinson picking the ball up as Westoe players tumbled to the floor. It was classic scrum half stuff, from a player who had been aware all game. With ball in hand, the Robinson went from the half way line to under the posts with applause and shouts of support following.

A great moment. 61-10 the score and Westoe looked a beaten side. I’m not sure if this was a reason or whether there was another, as on the conversion, the referee blew her whistle 8 minutes early.

Percy Park played really well and the coaching team were very vocal in their satisfaction at the execution of the game plan and for the efforts of their team. We have a strong squad and a great team ethos. An environment that is attracting new players and former players as they return home to the North East.

For our readership around the globe ( we have readers in the USA, Australia and France) putting pen to paper are:

Aaron Horvarth… back rower and former player returned from a six-month spell at North Shields RFC and time away from rugby. Aaron was part of the youth team that generated Seb Reece and Ross Young.

Isaac Noakes… just finished playing professional rugby league with Newcastle Thunder. Former mini and junior from Tom Robinson’s, Thomas Moore and Sam Digman’s age group. Isaac will be with us until he takes up a contract to play rugby league in Australia.

James Kyle… Scrum half who has just started training this week. Played for Richmond and Blaydon.

Mickey Fisher a former Colts captain returning home after plying his trade with Southampton RUFC. Equally at home in the back row and at centre. Came through the same youth team as Mark Cook, Joe Cassidy and Kieran Sutherland.

Joey Clark has also returned after concussions playing rugby league. A destructive player in the back row. Hopefully he will see sense and just play rugby union.

We have 3 new university students arriving last week.

Phil Crichton… number 8 from Newcastle University. Plays for Ruairi Meharg’s club in Northern Ireland

Teddie Summers… scrum half from Newcastle University. From Essex and studied at Felstead College.

Finn Ruddock…. A '7' who is Studying a masters at Northumbria. Played last season for Morpeth.

Exciting times for the black and whites. Next game at home v league leaders Morpeth.

Representing Percy Park

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

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

Finishers: Sam Digman, Isaac Noakes and Andrew Walker.

Northern Divison-Regional 2 North

Keswick RFC 28 v Percy Park RFC 43

Park recover from an elbow of a start.

On a smashing day for rugby Keswick was (literally) invaded by the travelling faithful. Reminiscent of a Northumbrian war band travelling deep into Cumbria searching for a troupe of castle rustlers; only on this occasion 5 points was the prize rather than a Viking brigand. Having said the Cumbrians struck the first blow as the faithful were charged four quid to park their horses! Not a great start and it got worse as Head Coach Ash Smith dislocated his right elbow attempting to recover a loosely thrown ball; launched toward him straight from the kick off. Whilst the player lay prostrate and clearly in pain, Keswick stole the bouncing ball to score in the corner. Duly converted, Percy Park were seven down before blinking an eyelash. With the game delayed by over 15 minutes whilst the unfortunate player was gently removed from the field to Carlisle General Hospital ,can’t rely on Ambulances these days, (apparently the waiting time was over 8 hours!) the faithful were hoping that we could find some Northumbrian grit and bounce back. A serious injury to a teammate can seriously affect the mindset of the players left to finish the game. Concern abounded all over the ground.

As Ash Smith was conveyed in a golden BMW chariot, Paul Spowart slipped into the fly half berth with Jamie Wrigley returning to his usual position at full back.

Percy Park struggled. The injury clearly had affected some and Keswick applied the pressure. Cometh the time and other on field leaders emerge. Former Captain Michael Langlands stood up and began to marshal the troops before leading us out of the red zone with a strong run loitering on the outside. Percy Park’s forwards took to the battle and lead by example. Having soaked up the pressure and beginning to dominate possession they gave a platform for Toby Davison to clear up field. A mighty kick toward Keswicks 5 metre line. Percy Parks first attack of the game. The line out did not go to plan so we went to the scrum. Although the ball was cleared the home sides scrum creaked.

Our experienced players were coming to the fore. The forwards provided another platform for Toby Davison to launch another kick dee into Keswick territory. This time the bounce of the ball was not clear cut. All looked to the touch judge who gave the decision the way of the black and white. This time the throw was good and Keswick took the catcher to the floor and were caught offside for good measure. Percy Park dominated the scrum. Keswick went backwards and after two phases Matty Atkinson got hold of the ball and blasted over the line for a good forwards try. The pack deserved it and the faithful hoped that would provide the team with the impetus to kick on. The try converted but the kick on failed to materialise.

Paul Spowart attempted to clear his line but in the doing kicked the ball to a speedy Keswick wing. A double up covering tackle from Thomas Moore and Matty Atkinson spared the blushes but the pressure stayed on. Keswick rolled with the ball eventually putting their outside centre into the top right hand corner. Lesson learnt don’t kick the ball to their attacking wing. Fortunately the conversion was missed. 12 to 7 the score.

Keswick didn’t let go. As Park carried Keswick held and steadily returned the ball to the away side. They were playing well. Park were eager to get off the line and were caught in front. A free ball was taken with a cross kick that Toby Davision collected on the mark. Attack extinguished but the penalty was dispatched for three points/ 15 7 to the home side.

Percy Park continued to dominate up front. A fact emphasized when Keswick were pushed off their own ball. The front five were clearly enjoying the contest. A contest that was slowly beginning to turn as our forward back smothered Keswick ingenuity. Unfortunately we could not say the same about our back line. Balls were not going to hand or were being thrown toward the floor breaking up momentum. One was cancelling out the other. Keswick sensed that they needed to keep the ball away from our pack and play from the back. Their wish to go quick was read by….Michael Langlands. Anticipating and collecting the intercept Michael extended his stride to purposely head toward the posts. The touch down won the race, with the conversion made, we were one point behind. 15 to 14 could that moment be the turnaround?

Park started to work hard over the ball with Seb Reece winning a hard earned penalty. The team decided to run it. Not surprisingly we dropped it. And not surprisingly we won the ball back in the scrum. Keswick folded going back quickly. The ball went down the line until Ross Young was unlawfully felled and we received the penalty shout. This time we took the shot and came away with three points. 15-17 and ahead for the first time.

Our passing along the line continued to be poor fortunately a forward, and that man Langlands, was on hand to gather out wide. A sharp pass inside to the supporting Toby Davison gave Park the open space. A deft tip to Ross Young allowed the field to open and the posts to beckon. Try given. Not bad from inside our 22. Were we waking up? 15 to 22 the score-line.

Keswick were well beaten in the forward area and their frustration became to show when a sharp and short melee erupted between the opposing packs. The referee went to the whistle and the Captains. Neither side received a slice of cheese.

Park’s game held to the positive and was let down by the reported negative. Especially when we did get possession in the middle and kicked the ball away. On one occasion we had the ball returned to us. Fortunately the chasing Keswick player ran out of playing field before he could touch the ball down.

Coach Andy Dunn started to run his bench. Eddie Saint came on for Mark Barry and Marc Cook for Aaron Smith. All forwards. If anything we became even more dominant in the pack. All following the team looked at the scoreboard and were mystified we weren’t further ahead. A forward pass and another forceful set piece gave Percy Park an attacking penalty which was dispatched down the line. The resulting catch and drive rumbled forward toward the try line. As the line beckoned players went to the ground with Dan Shuttleworth coming up with the pats on the head. It was only on the way home that the try scorer came forward to claim the notch. Apparently the ball should have gone back to Dan but Jonny Dubois had refused, very eloquently, to give him the ball. Score taken. Much hilarity on the bus. It’s amazing what a small glass of port can do to induce a tale or two!

Half time 15 points to 29.

Whatever team talk was had didn’t inspire either side. Of the two sides Park were worse, playing well within themselves. What ball we had we kicked away. Keswick’s inside centre was enjoying some good possession. Great defensive work from Jake Smith kept Keswick at bay. At least we continued to be dominant in the set piece. The more the game went on the more Keswick came back into it. This game began to have echoes of our second half performance away at Northern.

The faithful were not surprised when we were pinged in front of our posts. 18 to 29. Coach Andy Dunn wasn’t happy. We were asleep at the wheel. He was less impressed when our performance became so error ridden we let Keswick edge closer with another penalty taken from out wide. 21 to 29 with 15 minutes to go. It was becoming a race to the finish line.

For once from a set piece we didn’t run the ball lateral and for once Jamie Wrigley was able to collect coming onto the ball and he showed what he could do when decent attacking ball was given to him. Wrigley simply scythed through the Keswick defence with real strength and purpose straight under the posts. With the conversion we had a bit of real daylight.21 to 36. Didn’t last long.

We didn’t deal with the return well. A pass went to floor that Josh Hedley attempted to clear up before a team mate helped out taking the ball across our try line. Five metre scrum to Keswick. As we went forward the referee penalised the Park forwards for going early. Keswick scoring from the free kick. 28 to 36.

Andy Dunn rotated the front row bringing Aaron Smith back into the fray. Almost immediately a head collision brought the game to a halt. Two Keswick players were down alongside Dan Shuttleworth. The Park player regaining his feet to shrug off the knock. The stop in play seemed to affect the home side. Percy Park won another scrum against the head. Michael Langlands kept the ball at the back before releasing. Park went lateral and made a dogs dinner of the attack. Fortunately we came out of it the beneficiary of a knock on. This time Michael held the ball and trundled forward playing a neat game of football. With Keswick pedaling back to keep onside the ball was delivered to Seb Reece. This time our Captain strode forward to score a good set piece try. 28 to 43.

As the game closed Park took one final scrum against the head before kicking the ball into touch. Final score 28 to 43. A 5 point win but in our hearts we know we should have done much better. As the conversation flowed to the health of our esteemed head coach it was very apparent that many of our younger players had been affected by what was a nasty injury.

As players settled into post game mode, the bus ride home was fun with plenty of songs and wildly exaggerated feats of manly prowess. That buoyant mood was further enhanced with news that Ash was okay, although in pain, the dislocation had been reset. Best wishes were sent and the tales became even more grossly exaggerated.

Hopefully next week at home to South Shields Westoe Percy Park can get back to playing with real confidence and regain that little bit of balance between front and back that seems to have escaped them of late.

Many thanks to Keswick RFC for providing some photos especially the following acknowledging the author of this report. 

Representing Percy Park RFC

From 15: Jamie Wrigley, Toby Davison, Seb Reece, Thomas Moore, Ross Young, Ash Smith and Tom Robinson

From 8: Michael Langlands, Jake Smith, Jonny Dubois, Josh Hedley, Mark Barry, Matty Atkinson, Dan Shuttleworth and Aaron Smith

Finishers: Marc Cook, Eddie Saint and Paul Spowart.

Regional 2 North

Percy Park RFC 15 v Penrith RFC 31

A moment gives Penrith the game 

As the game kicked off our esteemed camera man mentioned ‘’ A wet one’’ and he wasn’t referring to an antibacterial wipe or a flushable Cottontelle cloth for those sensitive types amongst us; what he was referring to was the persistent drizzle and cloud that engulfed Preston Avenue creating a slippery liquid infused porous surface. And in the doing engendered difficult playing conditions to promote a game of free flowing rugby. And it is testament to both sides that they produced an enthralling contest for the observer. On the day Percy Park were beaten by the better side and can have no complaints about the result. Not that they played badly, they didn’t, it came down to the fact that we are competing at a higher standard and what came easy last year isn’t going to be the case this season. We need to adapt.

Supported by a large crowd brought together for a 150^th celebratory lunch Percy Park took to the hallowed ground repleasant in their new ‘North Shore’ branded kit with team sponsor Toby Davison prowling the full back berth. A two minute silence preceded kick off to recognise the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth ll. A moment taken by many to reflect on an extraordinary life and a remarkable monarch. Big boots for Charlie to fill. Fortunately he wasn’t around to nick my pen so at least I could pen some notes. Poor William wasn’t as lucky as he had to borrow one to sign the proclamation. If I was William I think I would be taking an inventory of all the goods at Buck palace!

It took 6 minutes for the home side to open the scoring. It was evident from the off that Percy Park’s front five had the edge over their Cumbrian rivals. The early pressure was all Park and when the Penrith ‘9’ was caught offside the black and white went for the top right corner. An assured lineout from hooker Dan Shuttleworth was taken by Jake Smith. With the ball brought to the back and safely into the hands of the Park hooker, Percy Park drove Penrith over the line. Dan Shuttleworth happily lying on top of the ball. The try was unconverted. 5-0 to the Tynesiders. A good start.

Securing the ball from the restart Penrith looked to attack both side and 12 channel. Following several phases the Penrith full back migrated over the field to create the overload. Matched against a Park prop, a neat step saw him scythe through the defensive line. Leaving our defensive winger grasping air. A ‘one on one’ pass made inside went onto the knee of a chasing Park player. The ball skittling forward across the slippery turf evading all hands before being launched into touch out of the back of the home side’s line. In that moment Penrith’s back division laid down a statement of real ability. The resulting 5 metre scrum was taken against the head further demonstrating Park’s advantage upfront. Was one going to cancel out the other? You had a feeling it was going to be close. The game going to the ‘nip and tuck’.

A series of Park errors allowed Penrith to camp in their half. Penrith’s inability to score was, in part, down to their failure to secure any meaningful possession from the set piece. Robust defensive work from the home side frustrated. When Park did break out some poor work at the back of the ruck saw the ball returned with gusto. On one occasion wing Ross Young doing very well to tidy up. Dropped high balls bounced out of hands. The weather was playing its part. The set piece went to Park but the game stayed in the middle.

From a promising attack the ball went to the knock on and an almighty Cumbrian boot put the ball just outside our 22. The kicker close to claiming the throw. An overthrow from Park put the home side under considerable pressure. Josh Hedley almost separated his rushing opponent in two, rewarding his side with a knock-on. The resulting exit was returned and Park remained under the cosh. Penrith were gradually edging the contest and it appeared to the home support that Penrith were close to scoring and opening their account. The fact that it didn’t take place until the 36^th minute and whilst Percy Park were reduced to 14 ,following a call on a tackle made by centre Thomas Moore, spoke volumes for the seasiders defensive organization. Jake Smith and Jonny Dubois were putting in some big hits. Matty Atkinson held up one over the line. It was all ‘in the trenches’ stuff.

Yet it was a try that could have been avoided. Seb Reece broke out. The player was brought to his knees, stood up and was penalised for double movement. Penrith took advantage of a quick penalty exploiting numbers and gaps, eventually rolling over the line in between the posts. An easy conversion followed by the half time whistle.

A tough blow for the home side.

On the half Mark Cook replaced Aaron Smith in the front row and immediately put in a stomping hit. A big kick downfield from Toby Davison cleared the restart gather. The ball was returned with an ‘up and under’. Two Park players went for the ball. The player running onto the ball was about to make the catch when he was levelled by his compatriot running full tilt from the side. An argument ensued in which sharp words could be heard from the sidelines. It was very apparent that neither player was wishing the other well. Not a good start. Despite best efforts the ball remained in Percy Park’s half until Andrew Walker created the ‘kick and chase’. The greasy surface favouring the attacking player as the Penrith full back failed to control the ball. A bit of football saw the contested rubber bounce into touch for a Penrith throw deep in the 22.

The throw was a poor one. The overthrow taken at the back by Matty Atkinson and quickly placed in the hands of Jonny Dubois. A strong run saw the ball recycled to Ross Young. Penrith held high and stripped the ball. Ash Smith gathered the exit and sped into and through the defence. Michael Langlands was on hand and carried the ball forward. Park were behind the defensive line causing Penrith some concern. The covering tackle from the opposite wing was good but the pass had gone. Just before the pass was received by a welcoming Park player the ball cannoned off the other covering winger. Park gathered the loose ball going with the scrum advantage. Although that advantage went it was all Percy Park. The home crowd moving, swaying with every run and bracing for every hit. It was enthralling stuff. The rain ceased and the crowd flowed to the railings encouraging their team forward. Only a ginormous nudge kept the home side out. Sadly the kick gave the ball to the away side. It was some effort and we were unable to clear our lines, landing a ball into the arms of Penrith’s attacking wing. Assisted by his scrum half, who blocked an attempted tackle, the player strode through several other attempts to score under the posts. A great run full of pace and power but the score shouldn’t have stood or have been made. Conversion taken 5 to 14. Harsh. From a good period we found ourselves 9 points down and needed a response.

Robin Houghton came on at scrum half and gave the ball to the forwards who trundled up field. We made good ground. Penrith tackled beyond the gain line and were penalised for being offside. The penalty in front of the posts. Duly taken. 8 points to 14 and the good response was had.

The game went to the nip and tuck. Josh Hedley was having a strong game. You knew that it would take a moment to break the contest and that moment came from Penrith. Park were found momentarily short on the stand side. Players were pulled over. Penrith backs found the Park front row and took the weaker shoulder, breaking through and avoiding a flailing arm. The cover was there but that moment had arrived. The player in possession took a quick look and made an audacious pass over his right shoulder to the supporting player. That player had ground to make. A race to the line was won by the Cumbrian before the tackle could be made. A good score and a great try warmly applauded by the home support. Conversion taken 8 points to 21.

Paul Spowart entered the fray at open side .The pack reshuffling. Percy Park went on the offensive, attempting to claw back points. That was until we were undone by a held ball, a dummy runner hiding another who picked up the offered ball. The collector disappearing through the line to score under the posts. A move straight off the training field. Penrith had points distance and celebrated with real noise and a team huddle. It was that kind of contest. Close and hard fought. Penrith were in the driving seat. We needed tries and we were running out of time.

Percy Park went back to the offensive with Robin Houghton and Ash Smith marshalling the forwards onwards. Paul Spowart giving the team a bit of pace. Actually I wasn’t totally sure where he was playing. But it was effective. Our forwards were carrying well and retaining the ball at the ruck.

The ‘pick and go’ took us to the try line. Penrith were reeling. We continued to punch forward with Matty Atkinson scoring the well-earned try by sniping over the line from close range. A minor suspicion of a double movement. Try given and converted. 15 to 28. We needed hands on the ball and the next score. Penrith achieved both as Park held on and were penalised in front of the posts. Penalty taken 15 to 31. Full time whistle blown.

No complaints about the result. On the day Penrith were that bit better. Having said the rematch will be well worth watching.

Representing Percy Park RFC:

From 15: Toby Davison, Andrew Walker, Seb Reece, Thomas Moore, Ross Young, Ash Smith and Tom Robinson

From 8: Michael Langlands, Jake Smith, Jonny Dubois, Josh Hedley, Marc Barry, Matty Atkinson, Dan Shuttleworth and Aaron Smith

Finishers: Mark Cook, Robin Houghton and Paul Spowart.