Tech 0 v 29 Percy Park
Two dogs had been spotted scrapping near Boys Welfare early into the first half of this league encounter, and whilst the species on the field may have been different, the action bore a resemblance! Yes, this was indeed a scrappy, disjointed affair, settled arguably by an excellent opening 20 minutes from the visitors.
This was both clubs first competitive game for a fortnight. Percy Park’s last game had resulted in a 30-9 defeat at Lancashire club Blackburn in the Powergen cup, Tech on the other hand had swept to victory in their last game, 57-5 at Hartlepool Old Boys. Taking into account the relative difference in ability between Blackburn and Old Boys, and the nature of the matches between Tech and Park over the past few seasons, it would have been fair to predict a close game for today’s encounter. Anyone who went by this logic however was to be disappointed as Percy Park essentially sealed the game in the first quarter with a point blitz that yielded no less than 3 tries. A fourth try was added early in the second half and along with fly half Marcus Rutters’ accurate kicking, the Northumberland club eased to a simple 29-0 shutout.
A strong wind was blowing down the pitch away from the clubhouse as Rutter kicked off, with him and his fellow Park comrades attacking away from the clubhouse. For the next 20 minutes, Tech hardly got out of their own half. Fly half Rutter used the conditions to his total advantage and repeatedly pinned Tech back with some excellent tactical kicking. The relentless pressure being exerted by Rutter and the Park pack meant that they did not have to wait long for their first try. It seemed that the first try would be the product of a successful lineout and a drive to line, such had been the pattern of play up to that point, however it was from open play that Park opened the scoring. A Tech clearance was held up in the wind and was taken, still in play on the left hand wing near the 22. Some neat passing then saw centre Turner break through what was some admittedly weak tackling to score after 5 minutes. Rutter added the conversion.
Early signs were indicating that Tech would struggle to contain Percy Park’s pack from the lineout. This indeed proved to be Tech’s achilles heel as Park’s next two tries came from good drives following a successful lineout. Following a scrum on half way Rutter drilled the ball into the Tech 22 where the subsequent lineout resulted in the ball going out of play again for a Percy Park lineout. From this, second row man Robinson was driven over. Rutter added the extras. Rutter added a penalty shortly afterwards when Tech were penalised at a scrum. On 18 minutes Park added another 5 points to their score when following another good lineout drive, hooker Donald scored. This time Rutter failed to convert.
The remainder of the half saw no further scoring and not a great deal of action. Tech did start to look more competitive however and forced a couple of scrums in the Park 22 near the end of half. Alas, nothing came from them and Percy Park went in at half time well on top.
A couple of seasons ago, Tech turned around a 25-3 half time deficit against Percy Park, to record a stunning 26-25 win. Percy Park made sure no such comeback would take place this time as they eliminated any lingering hope Tech had within 6 minutes of the restart. A penalty awarded in the Tech 22 was kicked to touch by Rutter and the lineout again proved to be Tech’s weak spot. The drive eventually resulted in Donald grabbing his second try. Rutter added a marvellous conversion from out on the left into the wind.
Another 5 minutes of intense pressure followed but to no avail as Tech defended well and were eventually able to clear the ball. Few real chances came the way of either side after this initial spell of Park pressure although it would be fair to say that Tech perhaps deserved at least one try for continuous perseverance near the end of the match.
A trip to old rivals Ryton now awaits Tech next week. This has the potential to be a tough match, especially after Ryton’s excellent 30-15 away win at Ponteland at the weekend.
As for Percy Park, whilst not playing brilliantly today, there were still signs that they will be rubbing shoulders with the league leaders come the end of the season.
Scorers: Tries: Turner (5), Robinson (8), Donald (18,46) Pens: Rutter (12) Cons: Rutter (5,8,46)