PERCY PARK 24 DURHAM CITY 17

City were a little disjointed in their pre-match preparations by the late arrival of players due to the opening of the new Tyne Tunnel which resulted in a delayed kick-off and whether it was that, the effects of a mid-week cup-tie or simply that Park were the better side on the day or a combination of these factors, they showed little of the spark evident in that mid-week game.

The home side were quickly into their stride, their forwards providing good possession and backs running with purpose and invention, and an early try by full-back Ashley Smith, who was at the heart of most of their best attacks, when the ball was moved wide, put them 5 – 0 ahead.

City’s defence held firm for long periods in the first half as Park piled the pressure on, but two further tries in the space of 5 minutes, firstly when they attacked on the left and winger Howard Stock clutched a high pass to plunge over the line and then Smith broke to get his second try and convert to take the home side into a 17 – 0 lead.

But City responded, flanker Grant Thompson breaking up the middle for supporting full-back Rob Smith to score under the posts and convert to reduce the deficit at half-time to 17 – 7.

However, Park quickly picked up where they had left off after the re-start, keeping City penned in their own half, and their reward came in the 52nd minute when centre David Griffiths broke to score under the posts after a good attack on the right and some quick re-cycling of the ball at the breakdown. Ashley Smith converted to stretch the lead to 24 – 7.

Good pressure by City 10 minutes later, with stand-off Arnie Stevenson catching Park’s replacement full-back Marcus Rutter in his in-goal area and the forwards then piling in, forced Park to concede a 5 metre scrum and when the ball was moved wide, Rob Smith broke to score his and City’s second try.

With two converted tries still needed by the visitors and Park still generally in control, a major comeback always seemed unlikely, but the final word was nevertheless City’s in the last play of the game, Rob Smith breaking from a quickly-taken penalty and winger Luke Burgess, in his first full game in the side, forcing his way over from 10 metres out to register their third try and secure a losing bonus point.

Tomorrow, City travel to Northern for another North 1 East League match (KO 3.00pm).

CITY: Rob Smith; Peter Van Loo, Chris Metcalfe, Will Kirtley, Luke Burgess; Adam Morton, Thomas Howard; Adam Armstrong, Mike Hay, Benny Parkinson, Peter Dent, Kevin Showler (capt.), Grant Thompson, Jeff Roberts, Howard Johnson.

Replacements: Arnie Stevenson, Matt Young, Alex Whitfield.