SSE NATIONAL 3 NORTH
STOCKPORT 39 – 6 PERCY PARK
Park slipped to 10th in the league after a fourth successive defeat, this time at the hands of Stockport. The team and small band of supporters made the 155 mile trip to The Memorial Ground, Headlands Road in good spirits but knowing they had a tough game ahead against a side that had come down from National 2 last season.
Once against coaches Walder and Mitcalf were unable to select the same side with further injuries and unavailability dogging the squad. Simon Greetham came into the team at inside centre with Alex Tilley at fly half for the unavailable George Lewis. Andy Dunn manfully moved across one place in the front row to tight head to accommodate Jonny Dubois, and with Ben Wilkinson on the bench Park’s squad had 3 hookers. Ethan Wilson came into the back row after injury and Rob Clymer made his 1st XV debut moving up from the Lions to start on the bench.
The conditions if a little cold were idea for running rugby, and the home side showed early intent throwing the ball wide at every opportunity. It was they who opened the scoring with a penalty from fly-half Mark Edwards after 3 minutes of play, and Simon Greetham, who assumed kicking duties for Park put his side level 3 minutes later.
Although Park defended resolutely, their defences were eventually breached when ex-Park junior Joe Cantwell, went over for a try on 17 minutes. Although Edwards missed with the conversion attempt he was on target in converting Stockport’s second try of the day which followed soon after.
The home side fly half hoisted a speculative up and under on half way and as the ball held up on the breeze, number 8 Dan Eccles picked up the ball which was allowed to bounce and set off towards the Park line. A desperate last ditch tackle stopped the back rower short of the line, but open-side Callum Baldwin was on hand to receive the ball and went over for the score. Park were somewhat aggrieved that Stockport had not been penalised as their forwards were all within 10 metre of the ball and had not retreated.
A penalty on the half hour by Stockport’s Mark Edwards gave his side a 18 – 3 lead at half time, although this points gap could have been reduced as Park spurned 2 kickable penalties in the run up to half time. Whilst Park stayed on the pitch during the break, Stockport retreated to the warmth of the changing room, and had to be ushered out by referee Dave Charlton before the second half could get underway.
A Greetham penalty on 45 minutes gave the visitors some hope, and although the Cheshire side had more of the play, the score remained 18 – 6 until the 74th minute when left wing Myles Hall scored a try which Edwards converted. Park’s injury woes mounted as number 8 Sean Williamson had to leave the field as did fly-half Alex Tilley, and Park were forced to play back row Ethan Wilson on the wing as right wing Stu Findlay had left the field in the first half with a dislocated shoulder.
The sterling defensive effort began to take its toll on Park and Stockport ran in 2 late tries giving a score-line which somewhat flattered the home side. Nevertheless, they had won with a bonus point and Park had to make the long journey back to Tyneside with nothing to show for their efforts.
Next week Westoe make the short trip across the Tyne for South v North Shields derby.
UBS CANDY LEAGUE DIVISION ONE
PERCY PARK LIONS 74 – 5 WEST HARTLEPOOL STAGS
Park ran in a total of 12 tries in this comprehensive win over West Hartlepool Stags. Tries came from Liam Scott (2) Kieran Sutherland, Phil Morse (2), Jonny Gould, Jamie Drysdale, Leo Caulfield (2), Adam Fidler (2) and Rich Berne. Phil Morse converted 2 and Paul Spowart 5.
Park exorcised the early season defeat with a free flowing game, but once again with calls on players up to the 1st XV there were many changes to the side. Players however were prepared to play out of their preferred positions, in particular young Dan Ward packing down at hooker and Jonny Birkett this week giving the second row a shot. Brother of Guy Pike, Tom, hockey bad boy, made his debut for the club, whilst Adam Fidler and Kieran Sutherland had their first Lions run out of the season, moving up from the Pumas. Thomas Turnbull switched to hooker to throw the ball in at the line-out, and the backs rotated to accommodate.
The Lions were dominant in the tight and had a definite edge in the backs, scoring some good tries when backs and forwards combined well.
Next week the Lions travel to Darlington Mowden Park who will be hoping no doubt to avenge their earlier 48 – 28 defeat at Preston Avenue, which helped topple them from top spot. Coach Paul Jobson urged all his players to train hard this week in preparation.
NORTHUMBERLAND RIVER COQUET LEAGUE
PERCY PARK MARAUDERS 24 – 23 MEDICAL SERPENTS
The Marauders having had last week off returned with a league win, keeping them in touch with the top of the league. Next week Park’s 4th XV travel the short distance up the road to take on North Shields Crusaders