National ‘Papa John’s’ Community Plate Competition

Regional 2 Plate North Semi Final

Birkenhead Park RFC 20 v Percy Park RFC 43

Tell me Ma me Ma I won’t be home for tea as I’m going to DMP

This season has seen a real improvement in our rugby. It’s not just about individual skills, we have always had flair players, its more about how we play and manage a game whilst allowing our creative players freedom to express themselves within a system or style of play. Percy Park is an exciting watch and are developing into a very, very good side. Plaudits abounded from the sunshine drenched walls of Birkenhead Park and deservedly so. Plonking myself next to the team dugout I observed two coaches, one on the pitch and one off, encourage, cajole, suggest, positively criticise and remind when needed a group of very receptive players who have bought in to their ethos. Did Percy Park deserve to win this game? Absolutely…...Have they earned the right to play in the Papa John’s Northern Plate Final? Totally. Throughout this campaign of knockout rugby, they have been superb and for one I have thoroughly enjoyed the journey and non-more so than this long trip across the Pennines to Merseyside. We emerged from fog drenched hills into the sun-drenched flat lands of the Merse, nicked the cattle and silverware with some panache before disappearing back into the gloom….. and I loved every minute of it!

Lead Coach Ash Smith reviewed:

“What a day on Saturday!! I think this competition has been brilliant for us and the challenge it’s gave us moving into each round. The performances have got better and better with the increased competition in each game.

On Saturday, I think we withstood their pressure, they had an aggressive defence so we had to really manipulate where we put the ball. The big lads got us going forwards and the backs took their chances and caused utter havoc!!The buzz after the game was one of the best, I’ve felt in park shirt and I’m sure the lads are chomping at it for this weekend”

From the side-lines Coach Keith Laughlin informed the faithful

“During the warm up we were a little nervous. We spoke about just being present and ensuring each scenario was executed rather than getting overwhelmed with a semi-final, away from home, deep in Scouse land!

From the first kick off to the last try by Jonny Dubois we were red hot in attack. It was the best performance of the season and timing couldn’t be better to set up a final next week. The boys have bought in really well to what Ash Smith is putting in place here. Kick returns, kick offs, set piece, open play. We look comfortable in each respective scenario.

We spent 10 mins prior to half time defending and we got away from the process slightly and conceded some sort points with not sticking to our roles. We stuck to this in 2nd half and disrupted the lineout well.

This cup run as ignited something in the squad which I haven’t seen all season, some excellent rugby, combined with the culture they have created should bring about an exciting final”

A flat dry pitch and pleasant spring sunshine gave Percy Park favourable playing conditions and as a consequence the opening salvos were fast quick rugby with Park looking to ‘pass and move’. Birkenhead Park were on the defensive and proved to be very adept to an aggressive rush defence taking away the space in which we could move. Brutal and closely contested period where both sides exhibited their strengths. Birkenhead were about the forward pack and disciplined defence. Percy Park all pace and ruthless attack. For the first 20 minutes both sides wrestled for dominance trading penalties. Park giving away an easy shot at goal for failing to roll away. Birkenhead penalised for holding on as Chris Reekie threatened to take the ball. The referee demonstrating that he wanted a fast-flowing game. Happy for that. 3 all after 20 played.

Percy Park began to edge the contest. Tom Robinson was finding space and the forwards were getting across the gain line. The big hits wearing down the home side defence. Gaps were opening up. Ross Young and Jamie Wrigley asking questions out wide. Birkenhead began to drift and Ash Smith attacked. Not knowing where the ball was going Birkenhead failed to go to the man and Smith was through and behind. With options left and right Smith passed wide to winger Ross Young. A step inside had the defence clutching air. A weave and Young was over for the score. Easy conversion. 3 points to 10.

From the restart Chris Reekie drove his team forward. Birkenhead were back defending. Two home players clashed heads as they attempted to stop Howard Stock. One replaced due to a blood injury leaving the field into the arms of his fiancé who was none too pleased as they were getting married on Sunday. The admonishment was around the subject of wedding photos!! Birkenhead were in trouble and were fortunate not to receive a yellow following 4 penalties in their 22. Percy Park punishing the last following a strong carry from prop Tristan Grant as Birkenhead flooded in from the side. 3 points to 13.

The home sides bench was unhappy. Instructions were belted out and Birkenhead went up the middle taking Park to the ruck. We contested and went wide creating our own opportunities on the overload. Ross Young came over onto his opposite wing and we were down onto the home sides try line. Scramble defence stopped the attack. Park went to the pick and go with Chris Reekie powering over.The conversion was missed. 3 to 18.

Two and half minutes of normal time remained plus time on the stoppage. Birkenhead began to work the forward area of the game. Tristan Grant was penalised for holding on under pressure. Good play from Birkenhead as we couldn’t dislodge the supporting players to release the ball. The home side butchered the attempt on the try line with a forward pass. Fortunately for the home side, the referee had given advantage adjudging Percy Park to be off side. Birkenhead went to the scrum. An 8 pick-up was held over the line by Seb Reece. Brilliant roll tackle to get underneath. We remained pinned and what looked like a clean tackle from Josh Hedley was punished. Birkenhead went to the corner and to the catch and drive. The drive taking them over for a converted try.10 points to 18.

Two minutes on the stopped clock. Instructions from our bench encouraging ‘systems and further encouragement not to be too soft!!.... Loved that. I’m not sure what happened at the kick off but Birkenhead had the ball. Ash Smith intercepted the pass and was away before the referee’s whistle brought him back for being offside. Very harsh. Needed VAR there. On the cusp of half time Birkenhead, correctly went for the three points. Has to be said; a good strong kick had height and length securing the three. Half time 15 points to 18.

From the restart we were straight on the attack. Jonny Dubois was bundled into touch. Two penalties given away for being offside let Birkenhead get out of their 22. We returned gaining a penalty of our own which Smith elected to take to the corner. Kickable. The decision getting a ‘Oohhh’ from the travelling support. Mark Cook was getting excited shouting ‘Come on PERCY’. He got justifiably ridiculed for the shout finally admitting he wasn’t ‘a fan of shouting PERCY’. Neither were we! The line out came to nought as hooker Dan Shuttleworth was adjudged not to have thrown straight. Harsh call.

A clear change of tactics from Birkenhead wrapping the ball up front and as a consequence the contest went to the trenches. The game became a close fought encounter, Aaron Smith and Dan Shuttleworth received injuries and Coach Laughlin began to run his bench. Fresh legs made the difference and we began to get back on top. Seb Reece was having a blinder in the middle of the field and his influence was beginning to show. Gradually we won clean possession and began to pressure the home side into mistakes. The observer felt as if we had crossed that moment where the game could have gone either way. Not that the home support appreciated the intricacies of the moment with shouts of ‘Ridiculous decision referee’ belting out at every turn. Matters not helped when Ross Young took advantage of a slow pass to intercept and run half the pitch to score. Easily converted.

Space was beginning to open up once more. Josh Hedley went through. Instead of backing himself he delayed the moment for a supporting pass and an opportunity went begging. Niall Combe lost the ball in the tackle and Jamie Wrigley was unlucky not to score out wide. We were in killer time and needed points to concrete our dominance. Birkenhead were nervous. They were beginning to chase the game. Jamie Wrigley came through once more. The home side went offside in an attempt to stop the flow. Ash Smith stepped up and took the points

Ross Young was stopped by a superb covering tackle. Josh Hedley was felled as he blew through the defensive line. Jonny Dubois was unfortunate as an offload went slightly forward. Birkenhead were hanging on. We needed that extra push of fresh legs Keith Laughlin freshened up the centre field. The extra impetus took us wide and Ross Young was in at the corner for a great killer try. Try converted and the game stood at 13 points to 35 and ten minutes to go.

The home side received a consolation score as they went with a quick tap to go over. Park adjudged to have been offside in the defence. They converted but momentum was with Percy Park. Time was against the home side preventing a grandstand finish with only 4 to go. Eddie Saint went over the top to concede another penalty against. Birkenhead Park went to the line. Josh Hedley stole the ball. Niall Combe and Michael Langlands interchanged passes before releasing Jonny Dubois for his moment in the Merseyside sun.

A dash to the line evading several tap tackles took the player over before placing the ball to ensure an easy conversion. Duly taken. 20 points to 43 and into the final whistle sparking great celebrations on and off the field. Onward to the final next weekend at Darlington Mowden Park and that chant of victory…

“Tell me ma me ma I won’t be home for tea as I’m off to DMP”

echoed around the ground. The chant provoking a sporting response from home side alikados who jokingly questioned whether anybody in their right mind would willingly visit Darlington. All agreed that the better side had won and in the doing we delved into after match hospitality with drinking competitions and the regaling of stories from yesteryear. It was fun and our thanks go to all at Birkenhead Park RFC. Your company and hospitality were brilliant. A true rugby club exhibiting all that is great about our chosen sport.

The trip home was special with the last word going to Paul Spowart who, being the last player to get back on the bus at a splash and dash pleaded with Mal Fidler not to leave him stranded in a toilet cubicle on the A66 as he was having a ‘number two’…I’m told the decision was touch and go! We stayed and Spow came out vaping!!

Representing Percy Park

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

From 8: Michael Langlands, Jonny Dubois, Niall Combe, Josh Hedley, Chris Reekie, Tristan Grant, Dan Shuttleworth and Aaron Smith.

Finishers: Joe Cassidy, Eddie Saint, Andrew Walker and Adam Hay.

Saturday 27 April 2024

Old Brodleians 22 Percy Park 28

Papa John’s Community Cup

(Regional 2 Championship – Pool 1)

(HT: 10-21)

Percy Park completed their season with a hard fought victory at Old Brodleians on Saturday but, alas, the victory was in vain as Selby, our conquerors last weekend, beat Birkenhead Park comfortably to go through to the Regional 2 Championship semi-final on 4 May. However, our win was the more impressive as several colts played due to our lengthy injury list and more than impressed, fully playing their part in the victory. Park had to dig deep in the final 25 minutes or so to defend their lead as Brods sought the win as either team could have qualified as pool winners had Selby lost but the Tyneside team held on for a well deserved win. Park ended as runner-up in Pool 1 and post-game, the talk was of that last minute at home to Selby and what might have been but Saturday’s win completed what has been a magnificent season, winning Regional 2 North and gaining promotion and giving an excellent account of ourselves in the Community Cup.

Park travelled to Halifax without several injured players; Jamie Wrigley, Ross Young, Fergus Simpson, Leo Caulfield, James Black, Joe Thompson, Jake Smith and Sam Digman were all unavailable to play and so there were changes from the side that lost so narrowly to Selby last time out. In the backs, McKenzie Bridges made his debut at fullback, Seb Reece moved to the left wing, with Will Ponton coming into the centre to partner Ollie Bartles-Smith. Paul Spowart dropped to the replacements bench. Up front, Charlie Turnbull came into the side at openside flanker with Jonny Dubois moving to the blindside, and the old war horse Michael Langlands continuing at No 8 (sorry Michael, had to get it in!). Tristan Grant came into the front row at loose head prop. On to the replacements bench to join Spowart were James Midgley, Sean Nairn, Eddie Saint, Joey Cassidy, Charlie Miller, and Sam McDonald.

On a dry but quite breezy day, Park kicked off down the slope and appeared to be still on the bus as Brods struck in the first minute. From the kickoff, Brods kicked long and as Park played up to the halfway line, the home side turned the ball over and moved the ball at speed left, creating the overlap and wing Fyn Hobson raced along the touchline to score. The try was unconverted by standoff Josh Kelly (5-0).

Brods were showing real intensity but an infringement on the visitors 22 allowed ta relieving kick to halfway and from the lineout, Tristan Grant and Michael Langlands with good runs got Park into Brods territory where they were penalized again by referee Nia Sterenborg (not rolling away) and something appeared to be said as the home side were marched backwards. Standoff Ash Smith was able to kick deep into the home 22 on the left touchline. A perfect catch and drive had hooker Dan Shuttleworth touch down on 7 minutes with Smith kicking an excellent conversion from wideout (5-7). 

Stung by the Park score, Brods came again, securing a period of possession and territory. Hobson was again causing problems and Park were under the cosh but a Josh Hedley interception midway in his own half seemed to have given Park some respite but play was brought back as Park had strayed offside. Brods kicked to the right corner and the catch and drive was held up, but Park were again penalized. This time the catch and drive was successful with prop Peter Ashton crashing over for the try on 15 minutes. This time it was fullback George Gillgrass who missed the conversion attempt (10-7).

Park began to immediately put pressure on the home side after the restart, but mistakes hampered any meaningful progress. A lineout lost on their own throw on the Brods 10 metre line and then shortly afterwards, mauling almost to the Brods tryline but knocking the ball on as it was moved left infield. Several promising positions were lost with the ball being knocked forward, one at the breakdown after an excellent run along the left touchline by Seb Reece. But, with second rows Chris Reekie and Josh Hedley prominent, Park were gradually gaining the ascendancy with Brods, despite Park errors, unable to escape their own half and with the visitors building momentum. After Ash Smith and Tristan Grant had put Park deep into the Brods 22, the home side conceded a penalty and Smith put the ball into the right corner. From the lineout, a series of drives with both Jonny Dubois and Chris Reekie almost on the try line, flanker Charlie Turnbull forced his way over for the try, 10 metres infield from the right touchline, on 33 minutes. Smith kicked another excellent conversion (10-14).

Shortly after the restart, with Park again looking dangerous with ball in hand, Brods centre Dom Georgiou was penalized for a no arms tackle and shown a yellow card by referee Sterenborg. Smith kicked the ball to the Brods 22 on the left touchline and from the lineout, Park nearly scored after a strong Reece run, being held up almost on the line but Brods infringed again, and Smith kicked to touch, Park with an attacking 5 metre lineout. The lineout was nearly lost after an overthrow, but it was rescued by Michael Langlands who managed to pass to second row Josh Hedley who saw the gap to crash over on the left on 37 minutes. Smith converted (10-21). In the last few minutes of the half Brods gained some possession but there was no further score.

HT: Old Brodleians 10 Percy Park 21

As the second half kicked off, Park resumed where they had left off in the first, applying sustained pressure, Hedley and Reekie again to the fore, but with the slope, bringing their backs more into play. It was only a matter of time for Park to score again and the score duly arrived on 51 minutes after great work from both Reece and Hedley. The wing made ground and from the breakdown the ball was driven on by the big second row. After he was tackled, the ball was quickly moved left for centre Ollie Bartles-Smith to score an excellent try. Smith converted; the bonus point gained (10-28).

The try stung Brods into action but they could not hold on to the ball. First a knock on gave possession back to the visitors before a Brods lineout was stolen at the tail. On 56 minutes, Brods wing Fyn Hobson was tackled by Reekie as he went to kick and was flattened. The tackle was fair and the referee did not speak to the Park player but Hobson required treatment and when helped from the field of play, he was warmly applauded by both sets of players and supporters alike. The resulting kick to touch gave the home side a lineout 5 metres out from the Park tryline and they took full advantage, a perfect catch and drive to the right of the posts, flanker Ryan Harris (I think) scoring on 61 minutes. Kelly missed the conversion (15-28).

The final quarter saw Brods pile on the pressure in search of the win. From the restart, Brods gained possession and worked the ball up the slope into the Park 22 before they knocked on. A great charge from the scrum by flanker Charlie Turnbull seemed to relieve the pressure but after Park were penalized for not releasing the ball in the tackle, back came the home side after a great run from centre Ben Barron but after a high tackle, Park prop Matt Atkinson was shown a yellow card by the referee on 65 minutes. Park were now under sustained pressure with their defence working overtime but Brods were unable to turn their possession into points with a number of dropped passes and their lineout misfiring at crucial times.  However, when Park did get hold of the ball they were unable to fashion any threat from it with mistakes littering their game but their defence, especially in their 22, was excellent. As the clock ticked down and Park holding out, Brods centre Dom Georgiou received the ball on halfway and accelerated through the Park defence scoring a brilliant solo try to score just to the right of the posts to gain the home side a bonus point. Standoff Josh Kelly kicked the conversion to narrow the gap to just six points (22-28).

In the last few seconds, Brods attacked again and only a great turnover by replacement Paul Spowart stopped Brods scoring again, and with the ball kicked to touch, referee Sterenborg signaled the end of the game.

FT: Old Brodleians 22 Percy Park 28

An excellent game, played in a great spirit. The result was sadly inconsequential as news came through that Selby had beaten Birkenhead Park and therefore had qualified for the semi-final. Post match, prop Tristan Grant summed up the game thus: “A hard game for sure, credit to Brodleians, they made it difficult, especially in the last half an hour which seemed to go on forever! But in the first half, I thought we played really well and put them under pressure. We took our chances to score but, second half, we tired a bit but had enough to see the game out. I’m looking forward to next season already, it will be tough for sure, but really looking forward to it. All the players want to play at the highest standard possible and next season will be a high standard”. 

For Park, the two second rows Chris Reekie and Josh Hedley were excellent and young Charlie Turnbull was outstanding in the back row. McKenzie Bridges played extremely well at fullback on his debut and Seb Reece was always dangerous with ball in hand. All of the replacements got game time, and everyone showed their mettle in those last twenty-five minutes as Old Brods put the pressure on. With our young players playing so well, the future for Park looks bright. For Brods, who also fielded several teenagers, flanker Louis Inman was outstanding and when they had the ball, their backline was excellent. We thank them for a great game and for their hospitality and hope to play them again in the not-too-distant future and wish them well for next season. Our grateful thanks too to referee Nia Sterenborg without whom there is no game. We hope to see her soon at Preston Avenue.

Selby beat Birkenhead 43-12 to advance to the Regional 2 Championship semi-final where they travel to the Midlands to face the winners of Pool 2, Northampton Old Scouts, next week.

At the conclusion of such a great and successful season, great credit is due to all of the players and coaches across the club as well as all of the volunteers who give up their time to help the club in every way – to one and all, thank you, you make Percy Park the great club that it is.

The Percy Park Sevens take place on  Saturday, 18 May, with great rugby, a food court and great beer so put the date in your diary.

Percy Park: 15 McKenzie Bridges; 14 Howard Stock ©; 13 Ollie Bartles-Smith; 12 Will Ponton; 11 Seb Reece; 10 Ash Smith; 9 Andrew Walker; 8 Michael Langlands: 7 Charlie Turnbull; 6 Jonny Dubois; 5 Chris Reekie; 4 Josh Hedley; 3 Matt Atkinson; 2 Dan Shuttleworth; 1 Tristan Grant.

Replacements: James Midgley, Sean Nairn, Eddie Saint, Joey Cassidy, Charlie Miller, Sam McDonald, Paul Spowart.

Saturday 20 April 2024

Percy Park 38 Selby 40

Papa John’s Community Cup

(Regional 2 Championship – Pool 1)

(HT: 19-19)

What a game! A titanic struggle between two championship winning sides edged at the death by Selby in one of the best games seen at Preston Avenue for many a season. It was a case of defeat snatched from the jaws of victory and at the final whistle, utter dejection from the home team, unbridled joy from the visitors. As visiting captain Alex Webster said after the game, no one deserved to lose such a fantastic game and certainly no one at Park begrudged Selby their victory. To score forty points away from home deserves reward and, in the final seconds, when they gained the chance, Selby fashioned the winning score and all credit to them. Both sides at times played some great rugby and scored some excellent tries but, from the Park perspective, our defence was not as robust as it has been this season and in the final minute we did not see the game out as we should have done but as we all know, hindsight is a wonderful thing. But we take nothing away from Selby, they are a great side. Our chances of qualifying for the semi-finals are now on a knife-edge but to have any hope, we must win at Old Brodleians this coming Saturday and hope Selby can be upset at home in their final fixture.

There were a number of changes to the Park side that won at Birkenhead Park last weekend. Jamie Wrigley returned from injury at fullback, captain Howard Stock, unavailable last weekend, returned on the right wing, Seb Reece moved into the centre with Ash Smith moving to standoff in place of the injured Fergus Simpson. Ross Young moved back onto the left wing in place of Lucas Rowell. Up front, the evergreen Michael Langlands came in at No 8 for the injured James Black. On the replacements bench, Ollie Bartles-Smith returned having been unavailable last week. He was joined by Andy Dunn, Tristan Grant, Eddie Saint, Mikey Fisher, Charlie Miller and Will Ponton.

On a thankfully dry bright day with a slight breeze Selby kicked off with the wind at their backs. It was quickly apparent that both sides wanted to play with width. After a huge tackle from second row Chris Reekie forced Selby to knock-on, Park gained a penalty from the resulting scrum on the Selby 10 metre line. Standoff Ash Smith kicked the penalty into the Selby 22 on the right touchline and a perfect catch and drive had Park mauling towards the try line but as the maul was brought down the ball was moved at speed left for full back Jamie Wrigley to score wideout on 7 minutes. Paul Spowart converted for a perfect start for the home side.

The response from Selby was immediate. From the restart, as Park moved the ball it was knocked forward on their own 10 metre line. From the scrum, after several phases, visiting centre James Bramley was able to break a tackle to move quickly into the home 22. Again, after several phases and excellent ball retention, it was moved right and a perfect off load to Bramley saw him canter over wide on the right after 10 minutes. The conversion by fullback Charlie Bramley was missed (7-5).

Selby struck again very quickly after the restart. Gaining possession from the kick-off on their own 22, the ball was kicked towards the right touchline. The chase was excellent and James Bramley combined with right wing Matt Lodge to get the ball into the home 22, Selby then used their big forwards to punch holes in the home defence. As Park were penalized in front of their posts, referee Dave Charlton played the advantage as the ball was played left at speed for left wing  Weston to go over in the corner on 13 minutes. Fullback Charlie Bramley converted (7-12).

As the game continued, Park were having difficulty holding on to the ball with strong runs from both Ash Smith and Seb Reece coming to nothing when the ball was turned over. However, Selby were having difficulty in dealing with the Park eight in the scrum, and began to concede penalties as Park applied pressure, Reekie prominent, as the first quarter ended. From one such infringement, for offside, midway in the Selby half, Smith again kicked to the 22. Selby quickly conceded a scrum, No 8 Michael Langlands picked up from the base and moved right, fed scrum half Andrew Walker who in turn passed to fullback Wrigley who cut through the Selby defence and when tackled, delivered a perfect off load to captain Howard Stock who squeezed in at the right-hand corner. Spowart was unable to convert from the touchline, 22 minutes played (12-12).

The next few minutes were breathless, both sides playing at full tilt and both just unable to break the other’s defensive line. Second row Josh Hedley was penalized for a high tackle on the Park 10 metre line and Selby elected to kick for goal but fullback Charlie Bramley missed the opportunity to put the visitors ahead, the kick drifting to the right of the posts. From the drop out, Selby tried to play the ball but could not find a way through, the Park defence forcing a grubber kick that was quickly returned into the Selby half, an outstanding run from Reece doing damage. Selby were struggling and once again they conceded a penalty in midfield with Smith again kicking into the 22 where the catch and drive was halted illegally. Another catch and drive was stopped on the line and a series of pick and go’s saw Josh Hedley and Jonny Dubois go close before Chris Reekie was able to crash over wide on the right on 34 minutes. Spowart converted, Park very much on top (19-12).

As the game restarted, Park moved into the visitors half with great play between backs and forwards only to be penalized for not releasing in the tackle but, regaining possession after the penalty kick to touch, they again moved the ball through the hands, great interplay between backs and forwards culminating in a storming run from hooker Dan Shuttleworth along the left touchline that had the Selby defence scrambling but at the breakdown either the ball or a player in possession was adjudged to have been in touch and Selby were awarded a lineout on their own 10 metre line. It was then that disaster struck for Park, seconds from the half time whistle. Selby moved the ball to halfway but were stopped and as they moved the ball left the move seemed to have broken down when the ball went loose but was collected by rangy left-wing Oliver Weston. Somehow, he weaved through four or five tackles or attempted tackles to offload to standoff Ben Poskitt who went in under the posts for a superb try on 40 minutes. Charlie Bramley converted to tie the scores; Park stunned (19-19).

HT: Percy Park 19 Selby 19

Selby, buoyed by the score on half time, came out of the blocks as the second half began, quickly winning a penalty and eventually taking play to the Park 22 where Park scrum half Andrew Walker cleared his lines with an excellent box kick into the Selby half which was returned with a storming run from flanker Ben Lodge which was illegally stopped by his opposite number Joe Thompson who was immediately shown a yellow card by referee Charlton for the high tackle with just two minutes of the half played. Selby then had 14-man Park pinned in their 22, unable to escape the stranglehold and conceding penalties. From one, on the 22, Selby scrum half Archie Bennett tapped but when he was tackled, a series of forward drives eventually saw Selby prop Joe Reid crash over on 47 minutes with Charlie Bramley converting (19-26). The pendulum had swung back in favour of Selby in a few minutes.

Park needed to steady the ship and this they did in the next few minutes, holding on to possession and playing their way into Selby territory. Both Park second rows began to punch holes in midfield, the half backs orchestrating play, before Jamie Wrigley was unleashed along the left touchline from a fine looped pass from Hedley deep into the Selby 22. When he was stopped, the ball was quickly recycled right for centre Paul Spowart to evade two tackles and go over midway between the posts and the left touchline, converting his own score on 52 minutes to tie the match once again (26-26). Park barely had time to take a breath before Selby went ahead again, attacking from deep after Park had kicked long from the restart. The ball was moved left, and fullback Charlie Bramley moved at pace to the Park 22, evading the park defence before he gave the scoring pass to left wing Matt Lodge who went around the last defender to score wide on the left for a super try on 55 minutes. Converted by Charlie Bramley (26-33).

The next few minutes saw Selby going for the Park jugular, with No 8 Liam Hogan and centre James Bramley creating holes in the Park defence and only a great defensive turnover on their own line prevented the visitors from extending their lead. Slowly, as the third quarter ended, Park began to get back into the game, keeping possession and gaining ground. This was a  tough, physical though fair encounter and both sides used their replacements, with Park suffering significant injuries to both Ross Young and prop Sam Digman. Selby infringed on the home sides 10 metre line and as scrum half Walker attempted to take a quick tap penalty he was immediately stopped by Selby flanker Schofield who was given a yellow card by referee Charlton. Smith kicked to the visitors 22 only to see the lineout stolen. Park regained possession when Selby kicked long. Another bulldozing run from second row Hedley sucked in defenders and quick ball had Park moving left. Replacement Will Ponton made ground before the ball was recycled and moved right. Another surging run put Park on the visitors 22 and the ball was again moved right to standoff Smith who, with a quick show and go ran through the Selby defence to score under the posts for a brilliant individual try on 73 minutes which he converted to once again tie the scores (33-33).

Both sides were now searching for the next score with time ticking down in what was a full blooded, enthralling encounter. Selby box kicked from their 10 metre line, the ball falling into the hands of Seb Reece on the Park left touchline and he drove into the Selby half. The ball infield, a surging run from Thompson brought Park to the 10 metre line in midfield. The ball was moved right and then left with Smith giving a long pass to Reece in space on the left touchline. He went flying deep into the Selby 22, passed infield to the supporting Joe Thompson who, when tackled almost on the line, off loaded to Ponton who went over for a super score to put Park ahead but the conversion attempt from Smith drifted just to the left of the posts. 78 minutes played (38-33).   

The restart not 10, Park scrum on halfway, the clock almost in the red. Park kept the ball in the forwards, Selby defending strongly in midfield before they infringed on halfway, Smith went for distance with the penalty kick but agonizingly, did not find touch, Selby keeping the ball in play 5 metres from their try line. They ran the ball right and a missed tackle on the 22 saw them on halfway. Park were penalized for not rolling away and the resultant kick put them into Park territory, just outside the 22. Winning the lineout, Selby used their forwards, Schofield to the fore, to batter holes in the Park defence which seemed to be holding firm, but when Park were again penalized, centre James Bramley made ground on the right getting Selby deep into the home 22 with the referee playing advantage. The ball was recycled into midfield, Park defending desperately in front of their posts, advantage still being played. When it looked as if the ball had gone loose, Selby regathered and No 8 Liam Hogan was able to exploit a gap in the defence to go over under the posts to tie the scores but with the simple conversion to come which was duly kicked and as it was, referee Charlton signaled the end of the match (38-40). Absolute heartache for Park, total joy for Selby which was plain to see when the teams eventually left the field.

A fantastic, memorable game played at times at a ferocious pace by two very, very good sides that ebbed and flowed throughout. It certainly showed the standard Park will have to play at next season in Regional 1 North East where we will again play our guests. For Park, both second rows, Chris Reekie and Josh Hedley, were excellent as were Selby scrum half Archie Bennett and centre James Bramley. It was a game of very tight margins but from a Park perspective, conceding the try right on half time was a blow, numerous tackles in the build up having been missed, but sometimes it is too easy to be critical from the sidelines. Both sides gave everything and our congratulations to Selby who are a great side. Post-match, a rather dejected Joe Thompson summed the game up: “I am gutted, the whole team are gutted. We thought we had won it at the end, but it wasn’t to be. I honestly thought the Selby player was just in touch when he caught the ball at the end but it wasn’t called and they came back at us. We just ran out of players, and they scored. The team gave everything but, on the day, Selby played fantastically well and they are a great side. We have to pick ourselves up for next week as there is still a chance we can win the group. I just wish we could play those last couple of minutes again”. In the end, all credit to our visitors, who needed to go the length of the field to score at the death and did so.  

Selby now top Pool 1 with one game to go for all four sides. Park go to Halifax next Saturday to play Old Brodleians with Selby hosting Birkenhead Park. Realistically, Selby will be favourites to go through to the semi-final, with home advantage and playing against a side who have lost both games thus far, but Park can only try to win at Old Brods and hope for an upset at Selby. Our game next Saturday is a 3pm kick-off and all support would be most welcome.

Percy Park: 15 Jamie Wrigley; 14 Howard Stock ©; 13 Seb Reece; 12 Paul Spowart; 11 Ross Young; 10 Ash Smith; 9 Andrew Walker; 8 Michael Langlands: 7 Jonny Dubois; 6 Joe Thompson; 5 Chris Reekie; 4 Josh Hedley; 3 Matt Atkinson; 2 Dan Shuttleworth; 1 Sam Digman.

Replacements: Tristan Grant, Andy Dunn, Eddie Saint, Mikey Fisher, Charlie Miller, Will Ponton, Ollie Bartles-Smith.

Saturday 13 April 2024

Birkenhead Park 19 Percy Park 42

Papa John’s Community Cup

Regional 2 Championship (North)

(HT: 7-18)

Having won the Regional 2 North league title three weeks ago and completed their league fixtures last week at Northern, Park embarked on their National Cup campaign on Saturday with a trip to the Wirral to take on Birkenhead Park who themselves have won the Regional 2 North West league championship. It was our second visit to the Merseyside club in twelve months, having been drawn together in the semi-final of the inaugural Plate competition last year, Park winning 20-42 to reach the final. A tough encounter was expected but, on the day, an exceptional performance from Park saw them win a very entertaining encounter 19-42, scoring seven tries to comprehensively beat the North West champions. After round one, Park sit proudly on top of the Regional 2 Championship (North) table on points difference from Selby who we meet next week at Preston Avenue. Some of our play, both in the backs and the forwards, was excellent and although there were some stand out performances it must be said that every player made their mark, everyone played well.

There were several changes to the Park side from last week’s game at Northern. Up front, in place of the injured Jake Smith, Joe Thompson came into the back row at blindside flanker with captain for the day Jonny Dubois switching to openside. In the backs, Ash Smith and Paul Spowart resumed their centre partnership replacing Ollie Bartles-Smith and Will Ponton, the latter dropping to the replacements bench. Seb Reece switched to the right wing in place of the unavailable Howard Stock with Lucas Rowell coming in on the left. With more replacements available in this competition, Ponton was joined by Aaron Smith, Michael Birkett, Michael Langlands, Eddie Saint and Charlie Miller on the bench.

On the Tuesday before the match, the Upper Park pitch had been under water after torrential rain and great credit must go to the excellent work of the Birkenhead Park ground staff to get the pitch ready in time for the pitch inspection on Friday afternoon. It was heavily sanded and looked decidedly rough in places, but it was more than playable. Conditions were dry, with sunny intervals, very breezy with the threat of rain never too far away.

The hosts kicked off with the wind at their backs and immediately Park showed their intent to play with width but the ball went forward on their own 10 metre line, allowing Birkenhead the scrum. Park appeared to be still on the bus as the home No 8 picked up, crashed through two attempted tackles to feed flanker and captain Sean Mooney who ran in unopposed from the 22 to score to the left of the posts on 3 minutes, Standoff Nick Baldwin kicked the conversion. A great start by the home side (7-0).

From the restart, Park had difficulty in retaining the ball but although the home side had possession, they rarely threatened the visitors 22 but when Birkenhead lost the ball in contact, a long kick from wing Lucas Rowell forced a Park lineout close to the Birkenhead 10 metre line. As the ball moved infield, second row Josh Hedley stormed into the Birkenhead 22 from a breakdown and after Rowell, standoff Fergus Simpson and second row Chris Reekie were held up on the line Park quickly conceded a penalty for not releasing the ball in the tackle after it looked as if they would score from a 5-metre scrum, the home pack under severe pressure.

The next few minutes saw play almost exclusively in home territory but Park were unable to keep the ball for any length of time and they conceded a scrum on halfway when the ball was knocked on after Birkenhead Park kicked to clear their lines. The hosts attempted to play the ball wide but the Park defence was more than equal to the task with the home side unable to get out of their half until Baldwin used the wind to kick an excellent 50/20 giving Birkenhead an excellent attacking opportunity but the attempted catch and drive was easily contained by the visitors, quickly winning the put in at a resulting scrum. As the first quarter ended, Park were beginning to lose their ‘bus legs’ after the long journey from Tyneside and from the scrum began to move the ball with real pace. A breakout at speed saw standoff Fergus Simpson, on a brilliant weaving run, storm into the Birkenhead half and as the ball was moved right, at pace, the move broke down when the final pass went straight into touch. Park now looked full of running and when the home side lost the ball in midfield Park were straight on the attack along the left touchline. Unable to properly clear their lines, Birkenhead eventually strayed offside in front of their posts and up stepped centre Paul Spowart to put our first points on the board on 24 minutes (7-3).

Birkenhead won possession from the restart and when they moved the ball to the right touchline, it looked as if wing Will du Randt would score in the corner, but Seb Reece had other ideas, haring across the field to stop the wing in his tracks with a superb tackle on the try line. A penalty was conceded although it was difficult to see the referee’s signal as to why. The tackle itself was hard but fair, the home players had no complaint even though du Randt was unable to continue, and the referee James Evans made no move to speak to Reece and it may well of been an infringement in follow up play. Birkenhead elected to take the scrum, but it was easily contained with Park quickly regaining possession to move, again, at pace to halfway where they gained a penalty after the home side infringed. Centre Ash Smith was able to take play to midway inside the home sides half with a lineout on the right touchline. As the ball moved left infield, Reece began to move at speed from his wing to take the ball and scythe through the home defence to score just infield from the left touchline on the half hour. Spowart was unable to convert but Park were ahead for the first time in the match (7-8).

The next few minutes saw Park playing with width, moving the ball quickly with fullback Ross Young prominent, but losing the ball at key moments. The under-pressure home side were content, when they did get the ball, to kick long, unable to fashion anything by moving the ball through the hands. After two Park dropouts, the visitors regained possession, moving the ball left and then right and using second rows Hedley and Reekie to smash holes in midfield. Birkenhead were hanging on, but the dam eventually broke when a Young break took play almost up to the Birkenhead 22 before the ball was powered forward through James Black, captain Jonny Dubois and Chris Reekie before the ball was sent left for Simpson to give the scoring pass to Ash Smith who ran in for the try on 37 minutes in almost the same spot as Reece a few minutes earlier. A superb score that appeared to this onlooker as if it involved every Park player in the buildup. Spowart was again unable to convert in the difficult breeze (7-13).

From the restart, Park scored again, Ash Smith running through the home defence to put a long kick into the Birkenhead 22. From the lineout, midway inside the 22 on the left touchline, Park mauled the ball toward the tryline but were awarded a penalty after it was illegally stopped. The penalty kick to touch, a textbook catch and drive with skipper Dubois scoring wide out on the left on the half time whistle. Spowart was unable to convert, the breeze strengthening (7-18).

HT: Birkenhead Park 7 Percy Park 18

Park had dominated the second quarter and as the second half kicked off, the home side needed a response and sure enough, it came within four minutes of the restart. An early Park infringement gave the home side the opportunity to kick to halfway. Park stole the lineout but knocked on in midfield and from the resulting scrum Birkenhead attacked along the right touchline. After several phases, centre Scott Davidson was able to slip a tackle to score under the posts. Baldwin converted (14-18).

The try appeared to galvanise the home side and they began to gain some possession, but their main attacking threat was a long kicking game, either out of hand or from Park infringements. They did attempt to move the ball from a midfield scrum, moving the ball first left then right but Parks excellent and robust defence was sound forcing the home side to eventually knock-on. From the defensive scrum, Park kicked to clear their lines but the ball was brilliantly reclaimed by Reece who fed fullback Ross Young who was into Birkenhead Park territory in an instant. For the next few minutes, after Birkenhead regained the ball, Park kept the home side pinned in and around their own 22 with another excellent defensive effort but when they turned over the ball, Park were on the attack immediately with quick hands putting the ball into the hands of Seb Reece on the right wing and it was only a last ditch tackle that stopped him scoring. However, the referee had been playing advantage as the hosts had strayed offside in midfield and Smith kicked the penalty into the left-hand corner.  The catch and drive, as has been the case so often this season, was perfect with prop Sam Digman touching down on 57 minutes, the try bonus point secured. With the strong breeze Spowart was unable to convert from wide out (14-23).

The home side gained possession from the restart but were unable to do anything with it before the ball was turned over by the visitors. A fantastic break by scrumhalf Andrew Walker brought play into opposition territory before a delicate grubber kick left could not quite be gathered by the speeding Young and a kick ahead by wing Lucas Rowell went dead. As the third quarter ended, Park had a golden opportunity to stretch the lead after Ash Smith put a long kick into the right corner, Park stole the lineout, but referee Evans awarded Park an attacking 5-metre scrum after a home knock-on. Park secured the ball and as they moved to the try line, control of the ball was lost, and home flanker Stuart Cross pounced to touch the ball down, an excellent defensive effort. Park had a stranglehold on both territory and possession with the hosts unable to escape from their own 22 and it was not long before Park scored again. Birkenhead conceded a penalty in the right corner and Park elected to take the scrum. As Walker passed out to Ash Smith (who had moved to standoff after an injury to Fergus Simpson) Seb Reece came off his wing into midfield, received the pass and simply ghosted through the home defence, leaving three players in his wake, to score to the left of the posts midway to the left touchline for another superb score on 69 minutes. Ash Smith converted (14-30).

Reece scored again three minutes later. The home side knocked-on quickly after gaining possession from the restart, and from the scrum four quick passes had the ball in the hands of the flying right wing. He powered over halfway along the right touchline and a sharp turn of direction had him in under the posts for his hat trick and another great try. Smith converted (14-37). Park were not finished yet as they scored again almost directly from the restart. Captain Jonny Dubois made the break into the Birkenhead Park half, the move was carried on by Walker and when the move broke down, the ball was recycled right for replacement prop Aaron Smith, wide on the right, to replicate Reece and canter over on 75 minutes. Ash Smith was unable to convert the difficult kick in the strong wind (14-42).

As the clock ticked down, there was time for a home consolation try, scrum half Sam Chidley sniping over two minutes from time after Park had conceded two quick penalties in their own 22. The try was unconverted (19-42). Park held firm for the last few seconds as Birkenhead looked for a way to secure at least a try bonus point.

FT: Birkenhead Park 19 Percy Park 42

A comprehensive victory against the Regional 2 North West Champions sets Park up for the challenge of Regional 2 North East Champions Selby RUFC at home next week. In the forwards, Josh Hedley and Joe Thompson excelled, Fergus Simpson and Andrew Walker controlled things at half back and Seb Reece was a constant threat on the wing but everyone played well and it was great to see that all of the replacements had some game time so credit to the coaches. For Birkenhead Park, a sobering day at the office but they were gracious in defeat, and we wish them well (but not too well) in their remaining two pool games. They have had an outstanding season, winning the Cheshire Vase in addition to their league title. They were excellent hosts, and we thank them for their splendid hospitality, and it was a great craic after the game sadly curtailed due to the constraints of time and travel. A great club with great people. Our thanks too to James Evans who refereed the game superbly.  

Post match, El Presidente Keith Atkinson shared his thoughts on the game (before the Port got the better of him): “We played so well, particularly in the first half against the wind after we had shaken off what is a tiring journey. Birkenhead Park are unbeaten at home and for us to come here and win so well is a massive result and, hopefully, it sets us up for the rest of the cup campaign. A tough game next week but after today, the lads must be confident. I think we bullied them up front and we had far too much pace in our backs which they simply could not cope with. Nice to see Langers (Michael Langlands) back on first team duties. All in all, outstanding, a great day. Birkenhead Park are a club with a proud history, and they have been fantastic hosts, but we now look forward to Selby”.

The future of the club looks very bright with players of the calibre of Rowell and Ponton coming through the junior sections and the only blight on a great day were injuries to both Fergus Simpson and James Black who join Leo Caulfield, Jamie Wrigley and Jake Smith on the sidelines.

In the other pool game, Selby defeated Old Brodleians 41-37 at home, scoring a try bonus point, and our game against them is next Saturday (20 April), KO at 3pm. Our hosts today travel to Old Brodleians who secured two bonus points in their defeat at Selby.

There is a pre match lunch next week, details from either myself or Mick Ishida.

Finally, our thanks to Marc Cook and Jamie Wrigley who organized the quiz on the trip to Merseyside. I am happy to report that the ancients at the front of the bus crashed and burned and finished last. It was not so much that we didn’t know the answers, we just didn’t understand the questions! It might also have been of help if our scribe, Mr Atkinson, wasn’t illiterate!!

Percy Park: 15 Ross Young; 14 Seb Reece; 13 Ash Smith; 12 Paul Spowart; 11 Lucas Rowell; 10 Fergus Simpson; 9 Andrew Walker; 8 James Black; 7 Jonny Dubois; 6 Joe Thompson; 5 Chris Reekie; 4 Josh Hedley; 3 Matt Atkinson; 2 Dan Shuttleworth; 1 Sam Digman.

Replacements: Aaron Smith, Michael Birkett, Michael Langlands, Eddie Saint, Charlie Miller, Will Ponton