Percy run riot in derby win over Rockcliff

Percy Park RFC 82Whitley Bay Rockcliff 0This was supposed to be the most eagerly anticipated Boxing Day Derby game in years. A resurgent and confident Whitley Bay Rockcliff playing at level 7 versus a mid-table Percy Park side playing at level 6.
Action from the game.Action from the game.
Action from the game.

The gap between the two sides had been reduced and ‘the talk’ in all the bars, barbers, hairdressers and a local butchers shop along ‘the coast’ was all about how close the game was going to be. In recent memory the winner of this contest really was undecided. And so a mighty throng of people descended on the playing fields of Preston Avenue decked in their tribal colours of red and gold, black and white and blue and white.

Ash Smith started the game with a long kick down field quickly gathered before the receiving player was swamped and Park gained control. Sixteen minutes later Park were 4 tries to the good .After twenty five minutes the home side were up by 6 tries

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It is factual to state that both sides (as is tradition) normally field a side which is a mix of 1st, 2nd and the occasional 3rd team player; only on this occasion Percy Park were far stronger than Rockcliff.

The first try came courteous of an Ash Smith shimmy and show that opened up a gap that the player took with real power and pace. The conversion was more than good

The second at the capable hands of Ali Blair. A flowing backs move was finished with aplomb. The conversion was good.

The third from Captain Seb Reece. A fine individual try that showcased the young player’s real ability and how much he is developing into the role of Club Captain. The conversion was excellent.

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The fourth through the lightening quick feet of Michael Grove. The conversion taken

Sixteen minutes...28-0

The fifth scored by Chris McCabe. A blast from close range saw him over and a proud moment for the player as he scored his first Boxing Day try for the ‘black and whites’

Number six. That man Reece again. A pick up from ‘his toes’ saw the player run almost the full length of the pitch to score.

Number seven was probably the pick of the bunch. A defence opening cross field kick from Ash Smith landed squarely in the hands of Leo Caulfield who had an easy run in to score. On this occasion the conversion was missed. 47-0

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Park rang the changes. We butchered a few chances before some good work from Will Robinson put Michael Grove in ‘the gap’ for his second. Conversion taken. Half time 54-0.

At the turn number nine took a little while coming. A one handed off load out of the back door from Jamie Wrigley put the supporting Ben Anderson over for his try. Again another proud moment for both the player and the junior section as Ben notched his first 1st XV try. The conversion was taken.

The tenth was the result of a fine interchange of passing between Ash Smith and Seb Reece that saw the player coach outpace the Rockcliff defence to score.

Number eleven came from an awful pass that went to a line out. Up popped Karl Thompson to do what he does best when allowed out to play. From a short range he crashed in causing a pressure wave that broke the Rockcliff defence to score. Michael Grove took the conversion.

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Number twelve and the final try. Michael Grove charged down an attempted clearance. In truth this was a good try. Grove was that quick the kicker had little time to clear, offering the chance. With the opportunity taken the player converted his own hat trick try. 82-0 and at that point the referee had seen enough.