August has arrived and that means that preseason preparations are well under way at Percy Park with the senior sides beginning their league campaigns in early September. I have received updates from both Ash Smith and Mandy Wood as to how things are shaping up going into what will be an eagerly awaited league season for both the men’s and women’s senior sides.
In respect of the men, 21 new players have been recruited over the summer which has given preseason a fantastic buzz. There will be great competition for places. As well as new players, James Ponton has joined the coaching staff. As a player, James played at the very highest level in English Club Rugby (as well as playing for Park) and he has coached at Newcastle Falcons as well as with England at U18 level. There is no doubt as to his quality and his experience and he is already extremely popular with the players.
This coming weekend, the whole squad will be involved when Park welcome Berwick to Preston Avenue so as to give as many players as possible some game time. The same approach will be taken the following weekend when Ashington are the visitors. After those first two games, two sides will be fielded on 24 August with the 1st XV travelling to Hawick to take on the Scottish Cup and Border League winners. Hawick also came agonisingly close to retaining their league title, losing a close came against Currie in the final so a tough encounter is expected. The Lions head along the road to Seghill. Our final preseason fixture is a midweek one up at Mitford Road against Morpeth.
Ash says: “We are all looking forward to this season and feel that we have a very strong side to more than hold our own in Regional 1 North. The squad have bonded really well, and everyone is looking forward to Saturday and seeing exactly where we are”.
The Percy Park Panthers are well into preseason preparations which began on 1 July. The team is buzzing with enthusiasm with a fresh new team logo that aligns perfectly with the rest of the club, along with a new first-team kit proudly sponsored by Maggies Centres, Newcastle. After just missing out on promotion last season, there is a determination to achieve that goal this time around.
With preseason friendlies already arranged, the Panthers have hit the ground running at training, focusing on team fitness and cohesion. The dedication and hard work have already begun to pay off, as evidenced by the match on 4 August against Peterlee & Horden at Preston Avenue. Although the score didn't reflect the team’s effort, the definite improvement in team fitness was a highlight and the coaches were extremely pleased with what they saw as significant progress.
Looking ahead, the Panthers have more preseason matches scheduled, starting with a home match against Houghton on 18 August followed by a trip to Skipton to face their Roses. Our league campaign will commence on 15 September, away to Penrith.
Mandy says: “In addition to our training and matches, the camaraderie within the team is stronger than ever. Many of our Panthers will be attending the club BBQ to support the men’s team on Saturday, August 10. We also have a fun night at the beach planned, complete with pizzas for the ladies, allowing us to unwind and bond before the season kicks off. As we look forward to the upcoming season, we feel a renewed sense of strength and unity. The family-like bond among our players creates a safe and supportive environment for everyone to train and play rugby. Here’s to a fantastic season ahead for the Percy Park Panthers!”
Both of the senior sections appear to be in good shape, are full of enthusiasm and both are raring to go! There is every reason to be confident regarding the upcoming season. A quick reminder of the preseason matches:
Men
10 August Park vs Berwick Home Squad Game
17 August Park vs Ashington Home Squad Game
24 August Hawick vs Park Away
24 August Seghill vs Lions Away
TBC Morpeth vs Park Away
Please check Park Social Media platforms for KO times and confirmation of the Morpeth fixture.
There will be a BBQ for the Berwick game with the hope that the day will be very much family orientated
Women
18 August Panthers vs Houghton Home
TBC Skipton vs Panthers Away
Please check Park Social Media platforms for KO times and confirmation of the Skipton fixture.
ALL SUPPORT WOULD BE MOST WELCOME