Regional 2 North

Percy Park RFC 21 v Northern RFC 41

A limp lettuce of a display.

A distasteful truth is the one that rankles and stays with you. As our beloved ‘Black and Whites’ left the field of play a Northern supporter was heard congratulating his team with the cutting statement “How sh!t were they?”. He wasn’t wrong. It rankled in its screeching joyful delivery and in the knowledge that we, as a team, could do nothing about it. The game was done; the season nearly at an end with no chance to set matters right. Made worse in the knowledge that Northern fielded a weakened side due to a stag weekend, injuries and a sending off. They even had a hooker playing on the wing and still convincingly beat us. We could make excuses but there is no grace in that. Northern played well. At times really well. They adjusted, dug in and won. As Captain Howard Stock alluded to, in his post-match summary, the unavailable players must be really good as the team who had taken the field had competed really well and deserved their victory. To make matters worse the young hooker on the wing also won the traditional boat race. It wasn’t our day. Sometimes you have to take it on the chin and accept we had a bad day at the office and move on.

Ash Smith started the game with a kick deep into the car park corner. Collected by their 8 the back row forward ran through several tackles setting the tone for the game. Brought to ground we went to the scrum where we were well beaten in the front five. Leo Caulfield digging out at the back. We went forward creating an opportunity that was quickly snuffed out. The game went to the scrum. Northern offended leaving Ash Smith an easy penalty kick in front of the posts. Duly taken Park were 3 ahead.

Northerns tactic appeared simple. In possession, their fly half would kick the ball behind the Park attack pinning the home side in their own half. The chase forcing Percy Park to kick to touch. The simple percentage game brought their first try. A line out went to the maul before the delivery to the infield. In the middle their 8 joined the line and (as at the start) the player ran through several tackles to score near to the posts. Easy conversion. 3 to 7.

We responded from the kick off. Ash Smith delivering an exquisite kick to create a line out opportunity. Northern offending in front of the posts. An easy penalty. 6 points to 7. Northern continued their probing, content to catch us and play the game in our 22. A poor box kick had Park in trouble. Northern went to the ‘pick and go’. Their efforts held up, albeit the ball returned to them to attack once more. Their outside centre went through our midfield followed by the fly half. The Northern pack took the ball on before the fly half skipped several tackles to score. The player converting his effort. The score brought the wry observation from the side lines “We are getting our ar@@ kicked”. Our players looked tired and flat. To say that the faithful were surprised was, and is, an understatement.

The next score added to the pitch side despondency. A Northern scrum near to the touch line was nicely worked. The blindside was narrow with very little space to work in. We expected the ball to go wide infield. Northern did the opposite. The Northern scrum half stood off and the 8 attacked along the blind side, taking Charley Miller out with a deft pass to the waiting scrum half. ‘One on one’ with wing Tom Robinson, the Northern player went through the attempted tackle and found himself in acres of space with a free run to the line. The conversion difficult and missed.6 points to 19.

We desperately needed a positive response. We got one from ‘man of the match’ Jonny Dubois. Northern made a mess of the restart allowing Ash Smith a kick to the corner. From the line out we went to the drive. Our first attempt at crossing the Northern try line was stopped by a high tackle on Dubois.

Undeterred we went again and, on this occasion, Jonny Dubois went over for the try. Our celebrations strangely muted. The conversion was missed. On another day Ash Smith would have kicked that conversion in his sleep. We needed half time. Our game was littered with mistakes and ‘give away’ penalties. Fortunately, the Northern fly half didn’t have his penalty kicking boots on as he missed several attempts to increase his team’s lead. 11 points to 19 at the turn.

The second half started badly as Chris Reekie was dispatched to the penalty box for a high tackle. Our player standing up and coming into the Northern player as he ducked into the contact. The hit was high with the referee deeming our second row forward to be dominant. Yellow and Park down to 14 for ten minutes. Northern didn’t waste time in scoring. The subsequent penalty was dispatched to the corner and the catch and drive took them over. Conversion taken.

Percy Park used their bench in an attempt to engender something. Tom Robinson went to scrum half and Vic Nadkarni came into the pack. Seb Reece into the middle. The changes brought a spark to Park’s game and we ‘hit up’ the middle. Northern failed to get low and one of their number was dispatched for a high tackle on Sam Digman. We also went to the line out. Ash Smith taking his team deep into Northern territory. Similar to Northern we went to the catch and drive with Aaron Smith taking the honours with a well worked line out move. The conversion was missed. 16 points to 26.

England youth international Lucas Rowell was introduced to the game at wing. He produced some fine moments. One high catch and run had all supporters purring with delight. You could tell the player had something and you also knew the player wouldn’t be plying his trade at Level 6! It was a bright point and one I am keen to hang onto.

Chris Reekie returned to the fray and for minutes we had numerical advantage. Park couldn’t take advantage. Nicking our line out their number 8 was behind the line and well into our 22. Lucas Rowell bringing him to ground. We couldn’t stop the momentum and were penalised for ‘not releasing’. Northern went to the corner and before the throw was taken restored to 15 men. We defended well and tried to play out the back but failed to clear. The pressure remained. We went from set piece to set piece with Northern content to keep the ball and take us ‘on’ infield. Pressure told and we infringed at a scrum underneath our posts. Easy three points. 16 to 29.

When we attacked, we gave away penalties. The ball returned to our half. If we lost possession Northern used the boot to kick and turn. It was no surprise when Northern added to the score board. The away side took Percy Park to the cricket club corner. Ruck followed ruck. Park failed to defend the blind side. The pick up went to the channel and the dart took the attacking player over. Our players protested the ‘foot in touch’ yet the score stood. Conversion missed.

Wives, mothers, partners and girlfriends were letting the author know their feelings. A lot unprintable, although I can tell you the liberal use of the vernacular abounded. What did please was the passion shown for the game and our team. It means something and that support at home and on the side lines is invaluable. It makes Percy Park strong and it was strength that brought our next score. Ash Smith took Park to the corner. Chris Reekie carried the ball. Determination and sheer ‘bloody mindedness’ took him over. Several Northern players were bounced out of his way and one or two were left hanging onto his ankles. Over for the try and our best individual moment in the game. The conversion missed 21 to 34.

We attacked their line and for a moment it felt as if we had woken up. Northern hung on. Big carries took the home side to the line. Northern cleared, looking to turn defence to the chase and press. Our inability to get dominance at the scrum hurt, as our ball was messy. We couldn’t get into our usual stride. We kept on trying until a loose pass in the middle was intercepted.

With no one at home the score was all about the foot race. Jamie Wrigley made a valiant attempt at the tap tackle. The defence came across forcing the inevitable touchdown away from the posts. The effort to no avail as the conversion took the score to 21-41 and further ire from a female supporter, who gave a one-word response, followed by “stick that in your report”. I think I preferred the word ‘limp’ rather than the one on offer. In truth we all, player and supporter, needed to go to the clubhouse for a drink, chat and a forget. Fortunately, there was no further score. As we trudged off the pitch we knew, and probably didn’t need the reminder from our Northern friend, as to how bad we had been. Having said ‘what goes around comes around’.

Represententing Percy Park RFC.

From 15: Toby Davison, Tom Robinson, Howard Stock, Paul Spowart, Jamie Wrigley, Ash Smith and Charley Miller

From 8: Leo Caulfield, Mikey Fisher, Ross Young, Chris Reekie, Michael Langlands, Sam Digman, Jonny Dubois and Aaron Smith

Finishers: Vikram Nadkarni, Seb Reece and Lucas Rowell.

Regional 2 North

Aspatria RUFC 16 v Percy Park RFC 33

Mercury storms the bus as Park win on the road

With the recent passing of two well-loved Percy Park stalwarts my thoughts drifted to memories past and the meaning of team and club. Its often said that playing the game is only 50% of the occasion. Camaraderie and friendships that transcend time are forged in the fire and steel of the battle and in the social. None more than a good trip on the road. From the front of the bus (its funny how age and responsibility push you to the front seats!) we looked back to a buoyant team dressed in outfits that barely resembled their favourite musical male and female artists, whilst covering the ears as they attempted to screech out their favourite songs by said musicians. As a falsetto whined you had to laugh. Percy Park was having a ball, giving voice to the extra 50%, after a deserved hard-fought win against a robust Aspatria side. It was great to see. Debutant Victor ‘Vic’ Nadkarni stealing the show, dressed as Freddie Mercury, belting out a Queen favourite. New memories made to be recalled in another time and I am sure Paul ‘Toots’ Rutter (who liked a dress or two) and Paul ‘Chunky’ Duncan would have approved.

At this point I should mention one of our travelling alikados didn’t make it past the bus trip over. Accepting a lift back as they were ‘too hanging’ from the night before. Disgrace. Golden rule is never to get hanging before a trip on a bus. There isn’t a more brutal place to have a hangover.

Percy Park travelled across to Cumbria disjointed through injury and unavailability. Available players playing out of position. Some deep in unchartered waters. We have always known that we are blessed as a club to have so many good characters within our sides that they, undaunted, ‘stepped up’ and produced a performance that more than demonstrated their playing ability. We started slowly and got mullered in the first scrum until we realised that Aspatria were ‘boring in’. From the penalty we attacked and showed real intent to get forward. The next scrum went our way. Andrew Walker floated a great pass over the head of the defender into the waiting hands of Jamie Wrigley. The player had work to do but swift feet kept defenders on his heel as he crossed deep in the corner. The conversion was wide and the angle difficult. Ash Smith struck the ball well and was unlucky to strike the outside of the post. 5 nil to Park.

Aspatria were eager, almost too eager, as they fell afoul of the referee giving away numerous penalties for offside or ‘being in front’. Ash Smith using the boot and line to great effect. The pitch was firm and suited our style of play. On the Aspatria line we ‘got a little excited’ and tried to rumble over when we had players unmarked to our right. Stopped we tried again and on this occasion Aspatria turned the ball over.

Josh Hedley found himself on the wrong side of an attacking line from the Aspatria tight head. The speeding barrel colliding with Hedley’s chest. An impact that had both players bouncing back and the home crowd baying for a red card. Arguing a high no arms tackle. The referee was on the spot and gave Aspatria the penalty. The sound in the stand was deafening. The home side scrum half elected a shot at goal and from some distance slotted the points. Really good kick. Aspatria within 2 and Josh Hedley was trying to catch a breath.

A game of basketball had Ross Young clattered and an Aspatria forward warned on the height of the collision. A warning that had the home sides Mitchell brothers going epileptic. Aspatria were ‘upping’ the physicality and at the next scrum we went backwards at a rate of knots. Charley Miller attempted to dig the ball out but was caught. Ash Smith using the line to great effect as we cleared our lines. A blood injury stopped play with Dan Shuttleworth and an Aspatria player having their face wiped. Fortunately, for ourselves, Dan was uninjured. The stoppage demonstrated how brutal the collisions were becoming and that wasn’t helped when the Aspatria ‘5’ lent his shoulder into the head of Howard Stock. The offence could have seen red yet the referee saw enough mitigation to dispense the player with a yellow. You can imagine the disdain from the home crowd following Josh Hedley’s lack of. You would have thought they hadn’t been fed. From the penalty we went down the middle attracting the infringement and a kickable penalty. Duly taken. 3 points to 8.

The score energised Aspatria and they came back playing some really good rugby. We managed to keep the out. One ‘hold up’ over the line was a great example of disciplined defence. The drop out found its way to the home side and the territorial pressure remained. A nice interchange from the home sides 7 and 15 had Park on the back foot. We broke out well, only to go straight off our feet at the breakdown. A gift to the home side who slotted the penalty. 6 -8.

The score saw Victor Nadkarni replacing Josh Hedley for his debut. Our player still struggling to get over the earlier collision. To say the home side failed to ‘take to’ Victor was an understatement. Two ferocious tackles had them reeling. Caught offside the Aspatria 13 gathered the ball and shoved the same toward Andrew Walkers face. The aggressive action attracting a warning. Ash Smith calmed proceedings by gratefully accepting the penalty chance. 6 points to 11

Aspatria broke through our defence only to be stopped by Victor Nadkarni. The Aspatria team didn’t like his energy, with one player wrapping his arm around Victor’s neck. Fire was being met with fire. The game went to the scrum where we once again got mullered. This time the referee awarding a penalty to Aspatria as we went to the floor. The strike well within the kicking ability of the Aspatria 9. Duly taken. 9 points to 11 and into the half time break.

Receiving the ball at the restart we were caught out by the quick press. Ash Smith was caught in two minds. Deciding he didn’t have time to clear, attempted to float a pass over the head of an on-rushing centre. The rangy 13 snatching the ball out of the air to run, unimpeded, under the posts for a converted score. 16 to 11. Not the best of starts.

That start was compounded by a few errors until Toby Davison managed to get ourselves out of jail. A decent run from Paul Spowart took Park deep into the midfield. With Aspatria still a man down and looking to get their player on the field, Ash Smith took advantage of the open right hand side drawing Andrew Walker toward him. The cover was too slow with Andrew Walker scoring in the corner. Impressive break out. Smith took the kick narrowly missing the nearest upright. 16 points all.

From this point Park took off. They started to play with real cohesion running their opponents around the field. Atoning for his earlier error, Ash Smith floated a pass over the head of the opposition (he went higher this time) to the waiting hands of Jamie Wrigley. Wrigley went ‘one on one’ with the full back. Kicking ahead, fancy football had him over the line to score. Paul Spowart converted. 16 points to 23

Following a collision Charley Miller was replaced by Tom Robinson. Aspatria tried to keep the ball in the middle. A push on Sam Digman saw our player take a theatrical roll that gave the watching Alikados a glimpse of the shenanigans ahead on our trip home. We looked lively on the ball. Ash Smith dictating the game. The home side were becoming tired. Constant infringements weren’t helping. A glorious kick down the line had a Park ‘line out’ well inside their 22. Tom Robinson had hands on ball and darted over only to be brought back by the referee. We returned to the lineout (I’m not sure why?). Taking the ball on top, we dropped down working the line until Sam Digman went around the corner. Michael Langlands took it on with Aaron Smith providing the ‘coup de grace’ to score a fine forwards try. Easy conversion. 16 points to 30.

Joe Cassidy replaced Paul Spowart for a bi annual run out with the first team. The Aspatria crowd were by no means quiet and when Andrew Walker patted down a cross field pass, preventing their wing a run, they went slightly nuts. The volume increased as our player avoided the yellow. If the decision proved unpopular then it certainly did later on!

The penalty had Percy Park to defending their line. A Michael Langlands rip, pass and move was spoiled by an offside call. We were hammered in the scrum. Ross Young making a fine tackle on the quick tap. Ball back in possession we kicked up field. Aspatria gathered only for Tom Robinson to remove the ball from the Aspatria player. Putting Andrew Walker in space we kicked ahead. Aspatria knocked on. We went to the scrum (not our favourite place today). Travelling backwards we managed to dig the ball out and keep the pressure on. A pass out wide was patted down by the Aspatria wing preventing Jamie Wrigley from receiving the ball. On this occasion the referee went to his pocket and dispatched the offending player on a yellow. Now if you are following this, I don’t think I need to describe the derision from the home support. To make matters worse we kicked the penalty bringing the game to a close at 16 points to 33. Clearly angered the Aspatria coach was on the field demonstrating with the man in the middle.

Hard fought but a well-deserved victory. Post match in very congenial surroundings (Aspatria are tremendous hosts) we had an enlightening conversion with the referee. The reason Josh Hedley didn’t receive a yellow for a high tackle was on account on Josh being passive. The Aspatria 5 received a yellow as he was dominant. Andrew Walker didn’t receive a yellow for the deliberate knock on as the referee believed there was too much ground for the Aspatria wing to make; plus, cover was in place. The Aspatria wing was shown the yellow because there was a likely scoring opportunity with no cover in place. Clearly thought out and rationale we all could understand. A young referee who will continue to do well.

And then into the clubhouse and onto to the bus for that journey home!!

Representing Percy Park RFC

From 15: Toby Davison, Andrew Walker, Howard Stock, Paul Spowart, Jamie Wrigley, Ash Smith and Charley Miller

From 8: Michael Langlands, Leo Caulfield, Ross Young, Tristan Grant, Josh Hedley, Sam Digman, Daniel Shuttleworth and Aaron Smith

Finishers: Vikram Nadkarni, Joe Cassidy and Tom Robinson.

Regional 2 North

South Shields Westoe RFC 12 v Percy Park RFC 46

Park's back row shine on the Tyne

A comfortable win for the North Shields team as they swopped riverbanks on the Tyne. Although we were missing a few, the side looked awesome on paper and more than capable of dispatching a struggling Westoe side. And so, it proved. Westoe played very well, in possession of the ball for long periods without ever finding the ‘cut’ to score points. Percy Park were disciplined, organised and when they broke Westoe were punished. The game reminded the author of the EFL cup final where Newcastle could not find away through or trouble a Manchester United side. Westoe were good ‘box to box’ but when it came to be in front of goal…enough said.

Percy Park were ahead in minutes and the score reflected the game overall. Westoe enjoyed a fast start pinning Park back in their 22. A mis placed pass was intercepted by Andrew Walker and we were out of the blocks. Although the carrier was brought to ground Percy Park recycled and Westoe were chasing, and failing, to catch Jamie Wrigley who scored in the bottom left-hand corner of the ground. Ash Smith made a difficult conversion look easy. 7 nil to the visiting team with a younger 'Matty' version of Paul ‘Flags’ Jobson waving the linen with some energy and aplomb. Although we will say very little about the ‘Bambi’ style of running!

Undeterred Westoe came straight back with their scrumhalf conducting the play. The fact that he had legs like two ‘pipe cleaners’ didn’t hinder the pace he moved the ball or hinder his carries.

Park were penalised for not rolling away, quickly followed by Andrew Walker being caught offside. We were under pressure; although we didn’t look to be in any real danger. Our back row of Michael Langlands, Mickey Fisher and Chris Reekie were outstanding, constantly picking off their opponents until they too offended and we cleared.

Dan Shuttleworth broke free and unfortunately couldn’t find the pace to ‘out strip’ the recovering Westoe defence. We lost the ball to a penalty and the home side put the visitors under pressure until Paul Spowart took matters into his own hands. Scanning ahead Spowart saw space and demanded the ball. Duley given the centre strode through the Westoe defence. Power and strength took him to the last man. Ash Smith was on his shoulder and deft pass had our player coach under the posts to score a very good try. Easy conversion.14 nil.

Percy Park were playing within a ‘purple patch’. Howard Stock kicked and chased, closely followed by our back row. Mickey Fisher wrapped up the ball receiver and turned him. Michael Langlands gathered the ball and with a Westoe defender hanging onto his ankle placed the ball over the try line. A noted downhill slope on the pitch aiding the kick and chase.

Westoe regrouped retaining the ball well between the 22. Percy Park were giving away far too many penalties and you just had that feeling we were going to be punished. Park had to resort to the exit and transition. Ash Smith and Jamie Wrigley combined well and were unlucky not to add to the scoreline. The home side kept returning to Park territory. What edge they had was blunted by Langlands, Reekie and Fisher. One ‘shot’ from Michael Langlands had the travelling faithful purring. However, the persistent penalty count came home to roost. With Park failing to roll away the referee went to the yellow dispatching Aaron Smith to the bin for ten.

Where Westoe struggled against 15 they certainly didn’t against 14 scoring a really good try. Their blindside intercepted a loose pass and sailed through several attempts to block him. Ash Smith came across and dropped off the tackle. A long pass flew across the field to their winger who was running hard. The player took the ball at pace without missing a step. Park were caught on the ‘flat foot’ and unable to turn. The score made in the corner. The pass making the try. The ball was placed right in front of the advancing player. Great skill. The conversion was difficult and missed. 5 points to 21.

A man down, Percy Park went to the forwards and ‘keep ball’. Something they did with aplomb. Eating up time and territory. The game went to the set piece with Percy Park taking Westoe ball. Westoe went backwards toward their try line. An almighty shove. The ball came back to Park who organised and rumbled forward. Dan Shuttleworth found himself at the back of the drive with ball in hand. Over we went. Unfortunately, we missed the conversion. 5 points to 26.

Restored to 15 Percy Park, annoyingly, kept giving away penalties and Westoe kept coming back. Just before the half Michael Langlands received the ball and was ‘mullered’ for his efforts. Caroline Jones our physio used an awful lot of tape wrapping up his left leg. Into the half time chat.

A large contingent of support had crossed the Tyne for this fixture. Marc Cook was seen to be wearing a snazzy pair of sunglasses. I’m not sure where he thought he was. A cold wet Westoe pitch on a Saturday afternoon does not look like Monte Carlo and the only sportscar that could be seen was battered Ford Escort. Alongside was a grinning Leo Caulfield exhibiting 12 neat stitches across his eye. Leo regaling all around with the story that his brother had abandoned him at the RVI with sufficient cash to get a taxi home. Apparently he had to be rescued by his in-laws.

The game restarted and both sides clashed. Michael Langlands went ‘chest to chest’ and Charley Miller pulled the shirt over the head of his opposite number. The game was getting a bit ‘spicy’ especially when the Westoe eight took revenge on Miller by taking his shirt off his back in the ruck.

We needed to channel our energy into the score and not the physical challenge. A penalty line out gave that opportunity. A neat catch and drive saw the contest fought on the Westoe try line. Chris Reekie ensuring all about him that he had got the ball over. “I’m down. I’m down” was the cry; Attracting the referee to take a look. Try awarded with a jubilant Chris Reekie making a bee line to ‘yours truly’ to make sure the try was recorded for prosperity and not given to Josh Hedley! Apparently, I do that quite often despite the very obvious height disparity. Never mind… the conversion was missed. 5-31

Dan Shuttleworth went off with a shoulder injury and we reshuffled. Ross Young joining the pack. Toby Davison was penalised for crossing as we broke from our 22. From an attacking platform we found ourselves defending, and conceding, as a Westoe forward managed to break free of the maul. Conversion taken. Percy Park responded from the restart. Ross Young ripped the ball from the receivers grasp and set his team on the offence. Paul Spowart was in possession at the breakdown. Aware that Westoe had failed to cover the blind he ordered Charley Miller to his outside. The scrum half reacted and took the ball in a narrow channel crossing to score. Great communication from the pair. Paul Spowart took responsibility for the conversion and was unfortunate with the kick as the ball scraped the nearest post. 12 points to 36.

Keith Laughlin entered the fray and immediately gave away a penalty the transgression put the ‘black and whites’ under further pressure. Injuries were taking their toll. Chris Reekie was off following a clash of heads. Langlands left the fray to be replaced by Tom Robinson coming off the bench to scrum half with Charley Miller moving to…..number 8! Understandably we lost the advantage up front. Tristan Grant stepped up with some terrific carries and Mickey Fisher made tackle after tackle. Westoe had possession but couldn’t find a way through a very determined defence. And it was Tristan Grant who instigated our next score. A huge carry turned Westoe around. With the ball in our three quarters we took the game to the Westoe try line. Josh Hedley making the ground to score the try. As Chris Reekie was off the field of play I’m sure I got this one right. The conversion was missed.12 to 41.

Westoe couldn’t handle Tristan Grant. Another carry saw Percy Park recycle the ball wide to Andrew Walker. The winger kicked past his opposite number and in the chase pulled the Westoe player back by his collar incurring the wrath of the home crowd and the referee. Penalty against was further punished with a walk back for arguing with the man in the middle. Our player fortunate not to see a card.

The home side weren’t so lucky. Percy Park kept the ball moving and a tip passing move (which looked a tad forward) took the away side back to the Westoe line. A score prevented by some skulduggery with one of the Westoe back row seeing yellow. Their loose head was also having a moment with some unseen arm movements. Park retained the ball and moved toward the top right-hand corner where Ross Young provided the extra man to overlap the defence to score. The conversion missed. After the score the game fell away without any further incident or notable mention. Petered out to the whistle. Bonus point win by 46 points to 12. Tristan Grant 'getting the Lion'.

Many thanks to Westoe for their very generous hospitality pre- and post-match. The Hedworth Hotel next door to the ground is a wonderful building and the fare provided was excellent. We all know the difficulties Westoe are enduring with their clubhouse but the lack of should not give visiting clubs the excuse to go straight home after the game. We didn’t.

Representing Percy Park RFC:

From 15: Toby Davison, Jamie Wrigley, Howard Stock, Paul Spowart, Andrew Walker, Ash Smith and Charley Miller.

From 8: Chris Reekie, Mikey Fisher, Michael Langlands, Josh Hedley, Sam Digman, Tristan Grant, Dan Shuttleworth and Aaron Smith.

Finishers: Keith Laughlin, Tom Robinson and Ross Young.

Regional 2 North

Percy Park RFC 26 v Middlesborough RFC 7

Dubois does an impression of Fran Cotton as Park enjoy a wrestle in the mud.

Middlesborough travelled ‘en-masse’ to Preston Avenue hoping that they could complete the double over fellow sesquicentennials’ Percy Park. The season’s first encounter went the way of the visiting side by 28 points to 24 in a game that the faithful honestly believed we should have won. Pre match entertainment was provided by President Albi Durhin who informed all attendees that 150 years ‘doesn’t happen overnight’. As the gathering, who included many former players, captains and Presidents fell about laughing the visiting Middlesborough Vice President presented Percy Park with a commemorative plaque that he assured to all was, in all probability, made overnight! Eager anticipation followed as the black and white support made their way to touchline and grandstand to watch their heroes in expectation of a victory. Nothing else would do and the boys did not disappoint.

The game kicked off under gloomy skies that threatened and delivered rain. The pitch was sticky and heavy with the ball quickly becoming difficult to hold. For the first 15 minutes the contest was fought between the two 22’s. Both sides were very competitive. Big carries from both sets of forwards had defences working hard. Middlesborough went to the rumble and had the first meaningful attack to the line. As they drove and mauled a player received the ball in front and as a consequence a good opportunity was lost.

Penalties followed Middlesborough as Percy Park dominated the scrum. They couldn’t compete and when they had made ground lost the ball in the set piece. Finding themselves pinged back deep into their own half. Failure to clear opened up the play for Park to spread the ball stand side. Park fortunate they weren’t penalised for a forward pass and Middlesborough were unlucky to knock the ball on; having worked hard to win the ball back. The scrum went to the penalty with Ash Smith electing the line rather than a ‘pot at posts’. The bold decision was rewarded as Percy Park showed the visiting team how to drive with Aaron Smith touching down for the home side. Conversion taken. It has to be said that many of the faithful were unable to determine who had scored however a strutting chest out Aaron Smith ‘kinda’ gave it away!

Mikey Fisher was enjoying a stand out game with his defensive work at the fore. Hard work and robust tackling saw an ebb and flow punctuated by weather influenced mistakes. Middlesborough came close when their full back entered the line and chipped over. The foot race won by Park wing Andrew Walker, as the two raced toward the Park line. Lack of success at the set piece was beginning to hurt the away side. Middlesborough were enjoying territory but unable to find any quality to take advantage. Punishment came from a strong ‘punch through’ and offload from Chris Reekie. Toby Davison took the ball on before being brought to the halt. As the tackler hung on to the contact scrum half Charley Miller remonstrated before the referee penalised the defending team for failing to roll away. Ash Smith took his side to the corner where the forward pack drove and mauled to the line. Jonny Dubois peeling off on the blind side to score in the corner. Smith converting from out wide. Percy Park into a half time lead at 14 points to nil.

The second half commenced in the gloom where it was becoming difficult to know who was on which team. The mud and wet obscuring club colours. A cross kick had wing Andrew Walker chasing and matched once more with the Middlesborough full back. On this occasion the Teeside man won the race. A high tackle on Mikey Fisher had Ash looking for Middlesborough’s five metre line once more. Park’s forwards were comfortable with the decision. Hooker Dan Shuttleworth was proving ruthless with the throw. Up we went and the gather drove Park to the line. Boro had learnt the first half lesson and quickly brought the ball carrier to ground. Miller spun and moved his forwards toward and in between the posts. Middlesborough threw bodies into the ruck and left themselves light on the outside. Park went wide and a loitering Howard Stock dived over the line. Or was it Seb Reece?....nobody had a clue the only pristine shirt on the field belonged to Andrew Walker! The conversion was tight and missed. 19-0.

The forward battle was taking its toll as Chris Reekie and Aaron Smith left the field. Andrew Dunn and Adam Hay providing the replacement bulk. Both players joining Andrew Walker in the pristine shirt club! Middlesborough forced Park back and remained camped in the home sides half. Middlesborough’s ‘9 and 8’ demonstrating real ability around the field. Two really good players. Percy Park were strong in defence, working hard on the floor, often turning ball much to Middlesborough’s frustration.

The visitors were keen to remain in the fixture, ignoring kickable penalties with kicks to the line in an attempt to get onto the scoreboard in a positive way. On one occasion Park broke from under their posts. Quick hands and a deft chip to the carpark corner turned defence into attack. Although Middlesborough retained their throw. Their desire to move the ball to the wing was anticipated by Leo Caulfield who was able to intercept the pass on their 22. The simplest of run ins had the touch down between the posts giving Ash Smith an easy strike at goal. 26 nil to the home side.

The try proved to be Leo Caulfield last real involvement in the game. A clash of heads with his Captain Seb Reece left the back row forward with a nasty cut to his left eye. Physio Caroline Jones was most concerned about Leo’s good looks admitting to all that she thought Leo was quite ‘the dish’. Those concerns remained as Leo was whisked off to the RVI where, apparently, they do a mean stitch. Coach Keith Laughlin forced to reshuffle his pack with Andrew Dunn joining Josh Hedley in the middle, Dubois went to 8 and Adam Hay went to 6.

The game went back to the middle with Percy Park probably edging the territory. Tom Robinson entered the fray at scrum half adding his pristine shirt to that of , you guessed it, Andrew Walker!...by this time Andrew Dunn and Adam Hay were as indistinct as everybody else. Jonny Dubois was doing a good impression of Fran Cotton.

For the first time in the game Percy Park went backwards at the scrum losing the ball at the feet of Jonny Dubois as the opposition scrum half nipped in and kicked ahead. Andrew Walker ran across the front of the advancing player impeding the run ahead. The penalty was quickly taken. A cross kick had Percy Park scrambling across. A poor pass saw the ball go to ground. Neat footwork had the full back kicking past the rushing defence with the player diving in an attempt to score the try. Marginally beaten to the ball. The play went to the scrum. Middlesborough’s eight picked up and drove forward Boro came round the corner .Parks defence was really good forcing the knock on and the scrum award. We played out the back but the pressure remained on. We couldn’t clear. Knock ons went to the scrum. Middlesborough were camped on and in our 22. Scrum followed scrum. Park kept the visitors at bay and eventually turned ball over. We cleared our lines but only to the half. From the ruck we went left with overlapping players and shot ourselves in the foot as we passed the ball to the opposition who then ran in between the posts unopposed.

Shame for up to that point you had to admire our tenacity and desire not to concede. On the flip side Middlesborough deserved the score for, like Park, they had shown that same tenacity to keep going until they scored. Conversion taken 26-7

Middlesborough ran everything with their scrum half at the heart of their attack. He was keeping Tom Robinson busy and as a consequence Tom’s shirt was as filthy as everybody else. Although they were enjoying possession time was against them. A fine interchange of passes created space for their left wing to break and make a swift dart to the corner. Toby Davison was across and made his tackle, taking the wing into touch. The tackle was brilliant and again demonstrated Park’s desire not to concede even when the game was won. The referee blowing time as the Middlesborough player took to his feet. 26 points to 7. A five point win that saw Percy Park make ground in the table to fourth place. If we can maintain this form a shot at third is on the cards.

Percy Park Lions recorded a good win against Middlesborough’s second string and with the Panthers winning another league game on Sunday, rugby is definitely on the up on the coast.

Representing Percy Park RFC:

From 15: Toby Davison, Andrew Walker, Seb Reece, Paul Spowart, Howard Stock, Ash Smith and Charley Miller.

From 8: Leo ‘the dish’ Caulfield, Jonny Dubois, Mikey Fisher, Josh Hedley, Chris Reekie, Sam Digman, Dan Shuttleworth and Aaron Smith.

Finishers: Adam Hay, Tom Robinson and Andrew Dunn.