Saturday 21 October 2023

Percy Park 52 West Hartlepool 24

Regional 2 North

(HT: 26-14)

West Hartlepool were our visitors at the weekend for the Round 7 fixture in Regional 2 North. Great credit must go to the Park ground staff as the pitch was in almost perfect condition after the ravages of Storm Babet over the preceding two days. Park were looking to get back to winning ways after a comprehensive defeat at Consett last time out and maintain their position at the top of the league table while West were looking to build on a highly encouraging win over Durham City last weekend. The game was sponsored by our friends from Wade Financial who continue to support the club for which we are sincerely grateful and the President of the Northumberland RFU, Ruth Scott, was our guest for the day. Park made a number of changes from the defeat at Consett; Toby Davison moved to full back in place of the unavailable Jamie Wrigley, captain Howard Stock returned to the right wing and Ross Young to the left, both having missed last week's game. In the pack, Dan Shuttleworth came in as hooker, Matt Smith replaced Tristan Grant at tighthead prop, Josh Hedley returned to the second row and making his first start in the 1st XV since his return to the club, Jake Smith packed down on the flank.

In thankfully dry conditions, West kicked off with the slight breeze at their backs. The early exchanges saw Park attempting to play with width but hampered by errors and indiscipline allowing West early front foot ball with No 8 Jay Corbett to the fore but when West knocked on, Park showed their attacking intent with strong running from centre Ash Smith and wing Ross Young moving the home side deep into West territory. When a Park penalty advantage came to nought, the ball was kicked into the left hand corner and from the resultant line out, Park, in what has been a potent weapon this season, drove hard to the West line for hooker Dan Shurttleworth to touch down after 4 minutes. Paul Spowart missed the conversion (5-0).

From the restart, Park gained possession and some exhilarating back play with stand-off Fergus Simpson and wing Howard Stock prominent, Park were quickly into the West half only for a knock on to halt progress. From the scrum, the Park eight showed their power, driving West off of the ball and a chip through by Smith playing another penalty advantage by referee Tony Lowery had the West defence scrambling to touch the ball down in goal. Park were not able to sustain the pressure as a penalty awarded for an infringement in the tackle allowed West a relieving kick to touch. As a consequence, West were able to build some phases with Corbett and full back Sam Knight making ground but a knock on halted momentum. After regaining possession Park made steady progress, the ball being moved up to the West 22 before knocking on but from the scrum, the Park forwards again splintered the visitors pack, the regained ball quickly moved right for wing Howard Stock to power over wide on the right on 20 minutes, centre Paul Spowart kicking an excellent conversion (12-0).   

As has too often been the case this season, Park infringed immediately, after scoring, from the restart as they were penalised for not releasing in the tackle but West were unable to take advantage as centre Matt Siddle pushed the penalty kick wide. Play became somewhat scrappy with both sides unable to retain possession, both making errors and being punished for indiscipline. After 29 minutes, Park regained possession on their 22 after a West kick was charged down only for a long wayward pass infield to go straight into the hands of West wing Lewis Scott who ran in unopposed to score West’s first try under the posts. This was converted by Siddle (12-7).  

This gift galvanised the home side, with some excellent interplay between forwards and backs driving Park forward, forcing the visitors to concede penalties. From a resultant line out deep in the West 22, Park drove for the line. Dan Shuttleworth peeled off but was stopped just short of the West line but as the ball was recycled prop Aaron Smith was driven over for the try to the right of the posts on 34 minutes. With the low sun directly in his eyes, Paul Spowart kicked another excellent conversion (19-7). Park seemed to lose concentration from the restart, and when West left wing Max Tennant gained possession on half way, wide on the left, he was able to evade several attempted tackles into open space and canter in by the posts for a brilliant individual try which was converted by Siddle on 37 minutes (19-14). Park responded immediately; as half time approached they scored the bonus point try. From the restart, West were penalised for a high tackle and the ball kicked into the left hand corner. From the lineout catch and drive it was hooker Shuttleworth touching down again for Spowart to convert from wide out on the left.

HT: Percy Park 26 West Hartlepool 14

The second half saw Park straight on to the attack, a promising position lost as West turned the ball over and kick the ball out on half way. From the lineout stand-off Fergus Simpson and wing Ross Young combined brilliantly along the left wing to breach the West defence. As the move appeared to break down Simpson was able to regather and score wide out on the left on 42 minutes. Spowart converted (33-14).

The game lost cohesion, Park conceding needless penalties and West making handling errors but eventually West were able to make the penalty count pay. On 49 minutes, punching holes into the midfield with referee Lowery playing advantage, the ball was moved right for wing Lewis Scott to score his second try wide on the right which was unconverted (33-19). West were still in the game. From the restart, play was initially scrappy but Park started to put together some good phases. From a scrum on the left of half way, the ball was moved quickly to the right touchline. Wing Stock was tackled but the ball was moved infield with prop Matt Atkinson powering up to the West posts. Tackled, the ball was moved left only for a pass to be over thrown straight into touch. However, from the resultant West lineout, the ball was stolen by No 8 James Black who crashed over 5 metres infield on 55 minutes. The try was unconverted (38-19). 

Park began to play with real intent, again backs and forwards working together well. A thundering charge in midfield by prop Matt Atkinson had West scrambling in defence but a very promising move broke down when Park backs were penalised for crossing. West then had a period of pressure but were unable to breach the Park defence with the home side able to kick for touch on half way on the right. From the lineout, the ball moved left with full back Toby Davison breaking the defensive line. As the ball was recycled after the tackle and with the referee playing advantage, No 8 James Black made ground and gave the scoring pass to flanker Jake Smith who scored with an ‘Ash Splash’ wide on the left, an excellent try.  Spowart converted on 65 minutes (45-19).

The home side scored again after 69 minutes when from a West knock on in midfield, the ball was moved right with Davison again making ground and delivering a superb offload in the tackle, the ball ending up wide on the right with left wing Ross Young whose swift feet, change of direction and hand off had him score another excellent try under the posts for Spowart to convert (52-19). West refused to lie down and what was almost a repeat of their last try, continuing infringements allowed them to punch holes in the Park defence, playing a repeated advantage, before prop Jack Angus scampered over for their bonus point try on 74 minutes. The try was unconverted (52-24). Although, as the clock ticked down, Park pressed there was to be no further score.

FT: Percy Park 52 West Hartlepool 24

Player/Coach Ash Smith was his honest self when asked how he thought the game had gone after last week's defeat at Consett: “Better….” was his considered response, adding that there had been much discussion about the defeat with some honest opinions aired, but he admitted that discipline remains problematic. There were far too many penalties awarded against the hosts this week it must be said and it was a factor in the loss last week. 

James Black had a great game at No 8 for Park but in truth, at different times, almost every player did something that made a difference and yes, indiscipline was a problem and might be more of one in tighter games, but at times we produced some excellent rugby and Park did score 8 tries to maintain the record of a try bonus point in every league game played this season. Despite the scoreline, West kept fighting to the end and a bonus point was just reward for their efforts, Before injury, No 8 Jay Corbett was influential and full back Sam Knight, in his first season in senior rugby, played well. They are a good side and will win a good many matches this season; we wish them well, thank them for a good hard game and look forward to the return at Brinkburn in February. Our thanks too to referee Tony Lowery. Park remain at the summit of Regional 2 North, 5 points clear of Middlesbrough who beat Consett 38-17 on Saturday.

There was a presentation pre game to our long serving former Junior Registration Secretary Melanie Ward, and we thank you Mel for very many years of volunteer service to Percy Park. Please don’t be a stranger!

Next week, 28 October, Park are at home to Alnwick from Regional 1 North East in the Northumberland Senior Cup, KO 3pm and return to league action on Saturday 4 November at Durham City, KO 2pm.

Percy Park: 15 Toby Davison; 14 Howard Stock (c); 13 Paul Spowart; 12 Ash Smith; 11 Ross Young; 10 Fergus Simpson; 9 Andrew Walker; 8 James Black; 7 Jake Smith; 6 Leo Caulfield; 5 Chris Reekie; 4 Josh Hedley; 3 Matt Smith; 2 Dan Shuttleworth; 1 Aaron Smith.

Replacements: Tristan Grant; Max Bailey; Robin Houghton.

Photo Galleries. 
Park - Here

West Hartlepools - Here

Saturday 14 October 2023

Consett 43 Percy Park 24

Regional 2 North

(HT: 30-10)

After a two week break, Percy Park returned to league business at Consett RFC on Saturday  hoping to maintain their unbeaten record with a sixth successive win but our hosts had other ideas, romping to a comprehensive 19 point victory as the Park Express well and truly derailed. Although both sides scored four tries, indiscipline, turnovers and, particularly in the first half, a lack of tactical nous perhaps in dealing with a stiffening breeze put paid to Park’s efforts in a disjointed performance but make no mistake, Consett thoroughly deserved the win. Our hosts have suffered three very narrow defeats this season and have been in excellent form at home so this was always going to be a tough game and so it proved with their New Zealand stand off Kyle Cornelissen in inspired form. Park debutant Paddy Browne replaced unavailable skipper Howard Stock on the wing, Joe Thompson moved into the second row to partner Chris Reekie with James Black returning to the pack after injury. Hooker Jonny Dubois captained the side.

On a bright sunny autumnal day, Park kicked off against a strong breeze and made an excellent start, moving the ball along the line, left and right, probing the Consett defence with Browne at one point showing great dexterity in keeping the ball in play. In midfield, Park were awarded a penalty after Consett failed to release the ball in the tackle and Centre Ash Smith kicked for the left hand corner, a sign of the visitors intent. After an untidy lineout and yet another penalty put into the same corner, a catch and drive from the lineout had Captain Dubois going over 10 metres infield on 7 minutes. Smith could not quite convert, the ball hitting the upright (0-5). Sadly, and as has happened far too often this season, Park conceded points immediately from the restart. A knock on, a scrum penalty awarded to the hosts and up stepped No 8 Matt Grimes to kick Consett’s first points of the match on 10 minutes (3-5).

Park again began to move the ball wide but as full back Jamie Wrigley joined the line his pass to Browne was intercepted by his opposite number Jack O’Leary who raced in from his own 10 metre line to score under the posts, the try being converted on 13 minutes by Grimes (10-5). Park continued to move the ball wide but were unable to straighten the line in order to create anything meaningful and playing with width was not being helped by a strengthening breeze. As Park probed, a pass from scrum half Robin Houghton was intercepted and Consett were able to kick deep into the Park 22. As the first quarter ended, Consett began to exert real pressure, with their pack tearing into rucks, tackling hard and enabling Cornelissen to dictate play. On 23 minutes, a poor clearance kick from wing Toby Davison gave full back O’Leary the chance to run from halfway and several missed tackles later he touched down close to the posts. Grimes converted (17-5).

This was definitely not in the script but Park were able to hit back immediately, After a Park scrum midway in the Consett half, Jamie Wrigley was somehow kept out wide out on the left by an excellent defensive effort but as the ball came back infield, Second Row Chris Reekie smashed his way through two defenders to score to the left of the posts on the half hour. Ash Smith could not convert (17-10). However, the last 10 minutes of the half were a Park horror show, conceding 13 points. Firstly, immediately from the restart Park tried to play out of their 22 but conceded a penalty for crossing which Grimes duly converted (20-10). Two minutes later, Park lost possession midway in their own half and superb interplay between centre James Herdman and fullback O’Leary had the Consett number 12 scoring an excellent try which was converted by Grimes (27-10). As the clock ticked down, Park were under intense pressure with the Consett pack rampant. They were held up over the line but Park were adjudged to have been offside in the build up and Grimes converted the resultant penalty on 39 minutes (30-10).

HT: Consett 30 Percy Park 10

With a mountain to climb, Park had to score first as the second half got under way and they immediately put Consett under pressure with three quick penalties awarded for home side infringements. However, Park could not turn early territory into points and as Consett counter attacked at speed, Stand off Cornelissen was high tackled around the Park 10 metre line and up stepped Grimes to kick the penalty on 46 minutes (33-10). This appeared to galvanise the visitors and from the restart they forced Consett into conceding a penalty that was kicked to the right hand corner. As Park mauled their way to the line it was taken down illegally and Park elected to go with the same strategy; kick to the corner, line out and drive. This time, replacement hooker Dan Shuttleworth scored on 50 minutes and with Smith converting the deficit was reduced (33-17). Four minutes later, Park scored again, Jamie Wrigley scoring under the posts after Consett infringed again as Park mauled to the line. With advantage being played the ball went wide and the fullback was able to cross unopposed for the bonus point try. Ash Smith converted (33-24).

With the deficit now just nine points, and with the third quarter not yet over, could Park produce the miracle comeback? Alas no, a penalty for not releasing had Grimes give Consett some breathing space with the successful kick on 57 minutes (36-24). Park were now under sustained pressure and only a Consett infringement enabled Ash Smith to kick the ball into Consett territory in order to relieve it. The next 5 minutes were to prove crucial with Park having two excellent chances to score but spurning them both. After penalty awards, Park twice kicked to the corner and from the resultant catch and drives endeavoured to turn the ball over on each occasion when it seemed easier to score. As a consequence, the fight seemed to go out of them and as the match ended, Park’s misery was compounded when Cornelissen weaved his way over under the sticks for an easy conversion from Grimes on 78 minutes (43-24). It could have been worse, Grimes missing with a last second penalty kick.   

FT: Consett 43 Percy Park 24

On the day, Park were well beaten. The Consett pack were ferocious in both attack and defence and with Cornelissen (my personal man-of-the-match) expertly directing operations from standoff, this was simply a bridge too far. There were positives; Paddy Browne had some excellent touches and proved solid in defence and, with four tries, a bonus point was gained. Post match, stand-in Captain Jonny Dubois was honest in his assessment. Not a lot, he said, had gone right with too many mistakes and a lack of discipline with even the warm-up not going according to plan. He admitted that the result “has been a wake up call”, sentiments echoed by No 8 James Black but both were at pains to point out that nothing should detract from an excellent Consett performance. Park remain top of the table despite the defeat, 5 points clear of Middlesbrough. Our hosts move up to fifth. Our thanks to Consett for a great game and their wonderful hospitality and we look forward to reciprocating in January. Our thanks also, as always, to referee Louis Dinsdale. It was not all doom and gloom as the Lions were also in action at Consett, winning 15-70 and making his first start for the club on his return was Jake Smith. Welcome home Jake!

Next Saturday, we entertain West Hartlepool who beat Durham City 29-27 at the weekend. It should be a great game, kick-off is at 3pm.

Percy Park: 15 Jamie Wrigley; 14 Toby Davison; 13 Paul Spowart; 12 Ash Smith; 11 Paddy Browne; 10 Fergus Simpson; 9 Robin Houghton; 8 James Black; 7 Leo Caulfield; 6 Michael Langlands; 5 Chris Reekie; 4 Joe Thompson; 3 Tristan Grant; 2 Jonny Dubois ©; 1 Sam Digman

Replacements: Dan Shuttleworth; Oli Bartles-Smith; Andy Dunn

Consett Photo Gallery

Saturday 30 September 2023

Percy Park 49 Morpeth 16

(HT: 10-13)

Regional 2 North

On Saturday, Percy Park hosted our friends and rivals from Morpeth RFC in an eagerly anticipated top of the table clash between the only two sides with 100% records in Regional 2 North. Park, courtesy of four try bonus points in their opening games, sitting proudly on top of the league with our visitors one place below them. Morpeth had enjoyed home wins over Stockton and Consett before winning a close game at West Hartlepool 23-27 and, last weekend, ending Durham City’s unbeaten start to the new campaign 18-12 at Mitford Road in another close encounter.  A hard fought game was expected and that proved to be the case in a tight first half where Park were hampered, at times, by over elaboration and by an unacceptable lack of discipline. However, the second half was a completely different match with Park rampant and at their best to record a comprehensive victory and consolidate their position at the summit of Regional 2 North. 

Park kicked off in dry but overcast conditions with a slight breeze. They showed their attacking intent almost immediately, full back Toby Davison hitting the line at pace only for wing Ross Young to unfortunately knock-on. Young made amends soon afterwards when he made ground off of his wing wide on the right and as the ball was moved quickly left, prop Sam Digman made ground before the ball was shifted left again at speed into the hands of second row Josh Hedley who crashed through several attempted tackles to score the opening try to the left of the posts on 6 minutes. Ash Smith converted (7-0).

Morpeth were able to hit back almost immediately when from the kick-off after try scorer Hedley was penalised for a high tackle. Morpeth full back Jake McKay made no mistake with the kick on 8 minutes (7-3). Worse was to come 3 minutes later; Park stole the ball from the malfunctioning Morpeth lineout on the left and the ball came infield. The move collapsed and with Park at sixes and sevens Morpeth were able to rip the ball from Park hands with a two on one advantage. A quick pass and left wing James Turner streaked away from his own 10 metre line to score an excellent opportunist try to the left of the posts which was converted by McKay (7-10). Park were struggling with their discipline, Morpeth able to relieve any pressure from the resultant penalty kicks, and Park scrum half Andrew Walker was being given a torrid time by his opposite number Jack Elliott. However, as the first quarter ended Park were again penalised (not releasing in the tackle) midway in the Morpeth half only for the penalty to be reversed after the referee Mr Morrisson spotted Morpeth foul play. Ash Smith kicked the penalty to tie the score (10-10). Park were looking to play an expansive game but were hampered by a lack of accuracy as demonstrated when a storming Josh Hedley charge and excellent off-load ended almost at the Morpeth try line with a home side knock-on.

As the first half progressed, the Park forwards were gaining ascendancy and a catch and drive from a lineout in the Morpeth 22 almost resulted in a try but Morpeth were able to disrupt and gain a penalty. The struggle with their discipline continued and this allowed Morpeth to gain possession and territory. On the half hour mark, as Morpeth applied pressure in the Park 22 with a series of forward drives, the hosts were penalised several times in quick succession with advantage being played but when Morpeth failed to capitalise, play was stopped. Park skipper Howard Stock was spoken to regarding the penalty count by referee Morrisson and McKay kicked the penalty from wide out on the left (10-13). As the second quarter clock ticked down, Park had the upper hand territorially but could not convert their pressure into further points.

HT: Percy Park 10 Morpeth 13     

Morpeth kicked off the second half with a kick which went straight into touch, a sign perhaps of things to come. Park gained an immediate penalty award as the Morpeth eight began to splinter from home pressure at the scrum. Ash Smith kicked the penalty from just inside his own half to again tie the score (13-13). But, as happened in the first half, Park were immediately penalised themselves after scoring when, attempting to play out of their own 22 after the restart, stand-off Fergus Simpson was adjudged not to have released the ball after being held in the tackle and up stepped McKay to kick the penalty, putting Morpeth ahead after just 4 minutes of the half (13-16). The Park eight began to dominate, winning another scrum penalty which was kicked to the right hand corner by Smith. The catch and drive was halted illegally and Morpeth No 8 Josh Williams received an immediate yellow card from the referee. Park elected a scrum and although untidy it resulted in Park second row Chris Reekie eventually being driven over for the try on 49 minutes. The score was not converted (18-16).

From the restart, as Park played out of their 22, hooker Jonny Dubois was the recipient of a  high tackle with the penalty kick putting Park on the Morpeth 10 metre line. The ball was moved right infield from the lineout where both Park second rows made ground. The ball was taken on by Smith and left wing Ross Young but when the move broke down the ball was quickly moved right for prop Sam Digman to crash over from 5 metres to the left of the posts. Smith converted (25-16).

Morpeth were becoming ragged, the restart again going straight into touch gifting the home side possession. Park were beginning to eliminate the mistakes, keep their discipline and play expansively. The reverse was true of our visitors who under pressure were losing their own discipline and as the third quarter ended, a sweeping Park move along the right hand touch line involving both forwards and backs was halted after Morpeth scrum half Elliott killed the ball illegally, receiving a yellow card for his trouble, 5 metres from their try line. The resultant penalty kick was put into touch with Park hunting the bonus point try which duly arrived after a catch and drive had Jonny Dubois scoring wide out on the right. Ash Smith was unable to convert (30-16).

Now struggling up front, a Morpeth put in at a scrum midway in the Park half for a knock-on had their forwards splinter under pressure from the home pack and it was now the Morpeth captain who was spoken to by referee Morrisson regarding the penalty count. From the resulting lineout, Park moved quickly up field, forwards to the fore, and as Park moved towards the try line yet another penalty was awarded to the home side for a Morpeth player making no effort to roll away after a tackle, much to their captain's frustration. Smith kicked the penalty to touch in the left hand corner, a catch and drive from the lineout and it was that man Mr Dubois scoring again on 68 minutes. Smith converted (37-16).

On 74 minutes, Park scored again; Ross Young with a jinking run made ground from half way and when tackled the ball was moved quickly right to find captain Howard Stock moving at pace along the right wing and his inside pass, taking out the last defender, found centre Paul Spowart who dived over for an excellent try which was converted by Ash Smith (44-16). 

The Morpeth restart again went straight into touch allowing Park possession and an attacking platform. Swift movement almost had the forwards scoring again but they were held up over the line. As the clock ticked down, Park were hunting try number seven and exerting great pressure on their visitors to achieve it with a Morpeth prop receiving a yellow card, their third of the game. The pressure eventually told with the quick thinking Spowart giving the scoring pass from a tap penalty to second row Josh Hedley for his second try of the match to the left of the posts which was unconverted by Ash Smith (49-16).

FT: Percy Park 49 Morpeth 16

The second half performance was exceptional and after a difficult first half, all credit to Morpeth, whatever was said at the break clearly worked. The Park eight were excellent, particularly the second row pairing of Chris Reekie and Josh Hedley together with hooker Jonny Dubois. Five wins from five games, five try bonus points to sit at the summit of Regional 2 North. Centre Seb Reece, sadly injured with a hamstring problem but watching from the sidelines, believes that this team has the confidence and ability to make a real challenge for promotion this season and when player/coach Ash Smith was asked his opinion of the second half performance he made a one word reply: “Class”. It is hard to disagree. Morpeth worked exceptionally hard in the first half to deservedly lead at half time but were overwhelmed after the break with three yellow cards not helping their cause but their start to the season has been excellent and they will be there or thereabouts at the season’s end. We look forward to the return at Mitford Road in January. Our grateful thanks as always to today's referee, Adam Morrisson. There is no 1st XV game next week, the Alnwick County Cup game being postponed, with a visit to Consett in a fortnight the next league outing. We look forward to the return

Percy Park: 15 TobyDavison; 14 Howard Stock ©; 13 Paul Spowart; 12 Ash Smith; 11 Ross Young; 10 Fergus Simpson; 9 Andrew Walker; 8 Michael Langlands; 7 Leo Caulfield; 6 Andy Dunn; 5 Chris Reekie; 4 Josh Hedley; 3 Tristan Grant; 2 Jonny Dubois; 1 Sam Digman.

Replacements: Joe Thompson; Aaron Smith; Robin Houghton. 

REGIONAL 2 NORTH – WEEK 4

UPPER EDEN RUFC 3 – 32 PERCY PARK RFC

Percy Park travelled across to Cumbria for the second time in 2 weeks this time to take on league new boys Upper Eden promoted as champions of Cumbria 1 last season. With the Cumbrians also playing in black and white, Park changed to a red white and black combo on a sunny bright day in scenic settings. This was the first time the two sides had met and promised to be a close affair with Park un beaten so far this league season, and the hosts having won two from three losing narrowly by a single point last week at Durham City.

The visitors started brightly and were on the score board after only 3 minutes after skipper Howard Stock crossed the line for a try on the left flank. Park kicked to the corner from a penalty and from the resulting line out spread the ball right then back left to allow Park’s left wing to go over, with Ash Smith converting. 0-7.

Three minutes later Smith slotted a penalty after the home side were penalised for not rolling away in the tackle.0-10.

Upper Eden were awarded a kickable penalty after Park were spotted with hands in the ruck and fly half Oliver Bennett was on target to claim the points for his side which would be their only score of the day. 3-10.

Percy Park had scrum dominance and pressed the Upper Eden line, and after a few forward carries Josh Hedley crashed over and with an extended arm dabbed the ball down. The force of placing the ball saw it bounce up after grounding and the referee who was on the other side of a mass of players judged the ball had been knocked on and the try was disallowed.

Eden were awarded a scrum on their 5 metre line and number 8 John Blue showed his skill and pace to pick up from the base of the scrum going backwards and ran a full 50 metres before being brought down in the Park half.

The Cumbrians defended well for the remainder of the half with Park being held up over the line and being denied their second try of the game, however they were reduced to 14 men with a player sent to the sin bin. Park ended the half with another Ash Smith penalty 3-13.

Percy Park started the second half as they did the first with the returning Leo Caulfield going over 3 minutes in. From a line out in the home 22 the ball to the back found the Park number 8 in space and he burst through and over the line to score with Ash Smith claiming the extras. 3-20.

Park claimed their bonus point with a Jamie Wrigley try 5 minutes later. From a scrum in the Upper Eden half the ball was spread through the back line with the Park fullback cutting through a gap to score, and once again Ash Smith was on target to extend the lead to 3-27.

With half an hour still to go the visiting supporters could be forgiven for expecting a large score, but Pennine Park side had other ideas and defended stoutly, the nearest Percy Park coming to scoring was when Ash Smith burst through the defensive line and chipped through but losing the foot race to line with the defender dotting the ball down for the goal line drop out.

Both sides were down to 14 players when Michael Langlands and the Upper Eden number 18 were sent to the side lines to cool down after an altercation saw them nose to nose in front of the referee.

With 3 minutes to go, Park finally breached the Upper Eden line with a try by fly half Fergus Simpson in the left hand corner. Ash Smith was unable to convert and the game came to a conclusion shortly afterwards with Park the victors 3-32

On the adjoining pitch Park Lions took on the Upper Eden Boars, with the home side coming out winners  60 -30 in an entertaining high scoring encounter.

Next week Percy Park take on second placed Morpeth with the game being sponsored by Past Presidents, Life Members and Ground Committee.