Blaydon Redkites 2XV  25 -24  Percy Park Panthers 

3rd March 2024 

In a thrilling encounter between Percy Park Panthers and Blaydon Redkites 2XV, the spectators were treated to an intense display of rugby prowess. The game began with Blaydon making an early statement, securing the first try of the match. However, Percy Park quickly responded with a try of their own, courtesy of Gicquel, followed by a flawless conversion by Hepples, showcasing their determination and skill.

The Redkites, undeterred, broke through the Panthers' defensive line once again, adding another try to their tally, although they were unable to convert. The Panthers heads never dropped. With the first half drawing to a close, the Redkites maintained their momentum, notching up another try before the whistle blew.

The Panthers, trailing behind, regrouped during the halftime break and returned to the field with renewed energy. Despite a few initial setbacks, they rallied and breached the Blaydon defense twice, with N Wood and Leybourne making significant contributions to the scoreboard.

As the final whistle echoed across the field, the Panthers displayed unwavering determination and resilience, holding their heads high despite the narrow margin of defeat. The scoreboard read 25-24 in favor of the Blaydon Redkites, but the Panthers' valiant effort and commendable performance throughout the 80 minutes did not go unnoticed.

Though the victory eluded them on this occasion, the Percy Park Panthers showcased their tenacity and skill, leaving a lasting impression on both their opponents and spectators alike. The spirit of sportsmanship and dedication displayed by both teams exemplified the true essence of rugby.

---

ߏ須appy International Women's Day from our rugby family to yours! ߌoday, we're celebrating the incredible women who make our club stronger, both on and off the pitch.

Here’s to all the girls who didn’t have access to a ‘girls team’, or were told that sports are just for boys and that girl’s rugby isn’t ‘real’ rugby. Here’s to all the girls that never felt good enough, no matter what. Among these faces we have nurses, carers, engineers, microbiologists, teachers, photographers, vets, paramedics, search and rescuers and many more. Today, we can look back at our younger selves and say – we made it.

Our commitment extends beyond the present and to one another; we aspire to inspire the next generation of young girls to embrace the exhilarating world of rugby, with the introduction of our Panthers Cubs!

By sharing the transformative stories of our players, from their early days as determined young girls to the powerful athletes they've become, we aim to create a legacy that encourages girls to dream big, play fearlessly, and join us on the rugby field. Together, we're fostering a community where every girl's passion and potential can thrive!

Let's raise a scrum to the resilience and dedication of women in rugby and beyond! ߏ鰟᭠Here's to breaking through barriers, tackling stereotypes, and scoring tries for equality. Here’s to another year of women in sport!

#ppfamily #percyparkpanthers

 

---

Panthers Weather the Storm against Gateshead

Percy Park 35 – Gateshead 0

The Panthers welcomed Gateshead to Preston Avenue on Sunday for their second face off during the current NC3 season. The last time these two sides met, the Panthers were the dominant side both in numbers and score, but with Gateshead now fielding products of their youth teams, it was clear from the whistle that this was going to be a different match completely. Gateshead however were not the only visitors to Preston Avenue, as storm Isha was playing against both teams.

The Panthers were ready from the whistle, and brand new to the position C Ward took the first kick of the match and the Panthers were in their stride from the get-go. Pace and pressure caused a knock on from Gateshead, and a scrum was called just 40 seconds into the game. A strong scrum from the Panthers had Gateshead on their toes.

Gateshead regained possession after a knock on from the Panthers but were pinned in their ’22 for 10 minutes. Strong defensive lines, and impressive line speed, the Panthers were on their top form. Gateshead, no matter how hard they ran, just could not make it past the barricade of black and white. A turnover ball left Gateshead chasing dust, and a ball out to the backs had the Panthers in line for the first try of the game but were stopped just short. A quick ball from the ruck, to S Gicquel had her literally shaking off the last line of defence to secure the first 5 points just 15 minutes into the game. C Ward stepped up to the kicking tee for the first time, and if she was nervous, it absolutely was not on display. A quick kick, C Ward secured the additional two points as the sidelines erupted with cheer.

A quick restart from the Gateshead led to a knock on from the Panthers, some impressive caries were made by “The Heed” until a steal from E Coulson. The ball was put into the hands of M Tunmore who proceeded to take on six of Gateshead’s defensive line and made an impressive 15 meters of distance before Gateshead coupled up and managed to get her down. A quickly recycled ball to SJ Leybourne took the ball to the left hand side of the pitch when L Shanks took it to just short of the line, where V Moxom worked her magic and took it over, C Ward again secured the 2 conversion points, making her kicking record 2 for 2.

The conditions were worsening as the first half played out, but the Panthers were on top of the game, Gateshead couldn’t make it through, but kept on going until the whistle was blown for half time.

Gateshead had the kick off for the second half and managed to regain possession, but it wasn’t long before the Panthers won it back. Playing against the wind the Panthers tightened together which meant Gateshead were having to double down on their defence. A ruck was formed and Gateshead were penalised for hands in the ruck, C Ward kicked the ball out for a lineout in the Panthers own ’22.

A quick lineout from the Panthers seen the wind carry the ball in Gateshead’s favour and what looked a promising ball down the line, it was stopped short by a knock on. A strong scrum from the Panthers pack led to a quick ball to the backs, which was taken by the wind and had both teams scrambling to take possession. After a couple of “oopsies” the Panthers again won the race against the wind, a promising run from N Wood, took the ball to the half way line, when S Gicquel took the ball all the way, breaking through a 1v3 and then stepping over Gateshead’s last line of defence in a fantastic display of footwork in a 1v1. The wind against us, the ref called for an automatic 2 points to account for Isha’s part of the match.

Gateshead were now feeling the full force of the Panthers, but showed fantastic sportsmanship and never bowed there heads. After regaining possession, they made it up the field into the Panthers ’22. After a quick possession regain the ball was knocked on, and Gateshead was awarded a scrum, the Panthers however weren’t done, and stole the ball from a ruck.

After an impressive run by P Wood, the Gateshead defence were left chasing a sea of black and white once more, stopped early by Gatesheads full back N Wood took it back into the middle of the playing field where an eager L Shanks was waiting for her opportunity to get some points under her name. Try was scored, and the Panthers were given another automatic 7. Maybe Isha wasn’t so bad after all.

The game continued and both teams were feeling the full force of the weather but didn’t let it stop them, all 30 players were enjoying the rugby in front of them. The worsening conditions forced a total of 5 scrums in a 10 minute period.

In the final few minutes, the Panthers regained possession, and waiting in the centre stood S Gicquel, waiting and ready to beat the entire Gateshead defence, from the half way line all the way to the try line, securing her third try of the game, with an automatic 7 pointer. S Gicquel now sits at the top of the table for the most points scored during the current season. Her ability to create space and step through the defence is unmatched and celebrated within the squad.

Gateshead kept up their heads, and kept pushing forward until the final whistle. But the Panthers once again came up on top.

The Panthers currently led by Mandy Robertson Wood, have maintained the top spot in the league and are back training on Wednesday, ahead of their next match against Blaydon Redkites 2XV.

---

Panthers keep their spot at the top for another week

Percy Park Panthers - 38 Consett & District Women – 24

The first match of 2024, definitely had the Panthers beaming with excitement as they took on a strong and well drilled Consett & District Women’s side.

From the kick off the Panthers were playing their strengths strong, using their heavy forward pack to play for yards whilst the backs used their pace to keep the ball moving deep into Consetts half. Consett were holding their own well, until a quick ball out to Leybourne on the wing secured the first try of the game within 5 minutes of playing time.

When play restarted, the Panthers had an air of confidence about them and their heads were up taking big hits from Consett, whilst still making yards. Consett kept up the pressure which ended with a turnover ball, and after quick thinking from N Wood, the ball was won back in the ruck, this led the Panthers to get the ball over into the middle where Wrecking Ball Gicquel ran the ball up the line to secure the second try of the game. Swiftly converted by Hepples, it took the Panthers to 12-0 halfway through the first half.

Play restarted and Consett were as determined as ever, to get theirselves on the board, with some quick plays in the middle, they were through the wall of Panthers for their first try of the game. They followed through with a conversion bringing the score up to 12-7.
After another swift restart, Consett were swift down the line and quickly took back the score board with another try leaving the Panthers bewildered and the score board at 12-12.

On the restart, the Panthers were raring to go, the lasses were set, and after a quick ball to Hyde in the backs, with plenty of support behind, she tore through Consetts line and made it all the way to convert it herself and make the score line 19-12.

Consett didn’t give up though, they kept the pressure on the Panthers and just before the ref blew for half time and took the score line to 19-17!

Play resumed, and the Panthers were well and truly into the swing of things now, which was absolutely clear when the Whippet P Wood, ran straight down the line with a jaw dropping try 6 seconds into the second half, it left the people on the side lines with their jaws dropped, and Consett scratching their heads. The try was converted by Hyde once more. 26-17.

Now the Panthers had completely relaxed into their rugby and were completely in their stride. Taking big hits and keeping Consett on their toes, allowing Hyde to score once more taking it up to 31-17.

And the Panthers redemption arc had officially begun!
The next few minutes of play were nothing but fantastic feats of rugby with some huge hits from the Panthers, causing Consett to turnover the ball and leading to a fantastic run up the field from N Wood, and although it was a close call with a tackle close to the line, she made it over and brought the Panthers up to 36, whilst first time kicker, Shanks scored a belter of a drop goal conversion rounded it to 38-17.

In the last play of the game, Consett were within in the Panthers’ 22, and after a few too many infringements and lack of discipline, conceded a penalty try in the final minute of the game. After the conversion, the referee called the game with the final whistle making the final score, 38-24.

---