Park House FC

However, it was Askeans who struck the first blow with a mauling try from a lineout close to the Park line. Park hadn't had any possession at this point and knew once we did, this game was there for the taking.

Park's back-row were totally dominant, supported by good work around the park from Tony Bunnage and Nick Reid, both making their debuts.

Most of the half was played in Askeans territory, with Park struggling a little at set pieces, but consistently forcing turnovers through the back row. Askeans initially tried slinging it wide, but were shut out by an impervious defence and the Askeans 10 forgot the weather and kicked it for most of the rest of the match.

Park's first score came from a quick tap by the scrum half and our 8 battering himself over the line. The try was converted from under the posts.

The next try cam soon after, with another turnover before Russ Turner rightfully ignored the captain's pleas for a kick over the top with a superbly timed inside pass to another back row, 7 this time, to power in from outside the 22. Try again converted.

Park were unlucky not to score a couple of tries outside with both wingers being just forced to step into touch before crossing the line, and some very dubious forward pass calls when spinning the ball wide. Every time the ball went wide, Park's backs looked dangerous especially with extra support coming in from the forwards. This is where the 3rd try came from with the ball spun wide and the wing grabbing his try this time after beating 3 defenders.

This left the score at 19-5 at half time.

Although much of the half was played in the middle of the pitch, fitness began to show a little and Park couldn't manage to string the play together as well in attack although the defence rarely looked like being broken and we were fairly comfortable dealing with Askeans kicking much of their ball away and never looking like getting through the fringes or in the centres.

The final score did come from Askeans when they span the ball wild and the winger ran in under the posts. This was with 10 mins left and although the final minutes were tight, Askeans never really threatened.

Final score 19-12

It was a superb game to win and a great start to the season. It was positive that we managed to win the game even though we have a lot to work on and are capable of stringing much more together.

Man of the match has to go to the back row, although the scrum half had a very solid game, and Russ Turner, Rich Gough and Pikey formed an unbreakable back line.