1st XV
Matches
Sat 14 Nov 2015
Manor Park RFC
1st XV
Tries: J Graham (2), D Joyce, C Bishop, C GoodeConversions: C Bishop
27
5
Upton-on-Severn
Golden Graham scores twice in table-topping win

Golden Graham scores twice in table-topping win

Bobby Bridge14 Nov 2015 - 16:15
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A SCINTILLATING brace of tries from Joe Graham lit up a dark and wet Griff and Coton as Manor Park replaced Upton-on-Severn at the top of Mids 4 WS.

The winger registered tries in the ninth and 39th minutes in a dominant first half which saw the hosts claim their fifth bonus point of the season.
Both teams entered the clash with 100 per cent winning ratios, Upton ahead of Park by three points virtue of having played a game more.
But a powerful opening 20 minutes attacking up the slope saw Kevin Venus’ side blow their Worcestershire opposition away.
Only handling errors denied a score early on but it merely delayed the inevitable/
From strong line out ball secured the straight arrows of Adam Moore and the safe hands of Charlie Wilson, Park attacked inside the Upton 22 when fly-half Dan Joyce worked a gap to race forwards.
The ball was quickly recycled for Joe Graham to sprint into the corner before correcting his run to allow for a slightly easier conversion. Callum Bishop’s conversion attempt was pulled wide.
With props Chris Goode and Chris Cook having the upper hand on their opposite numbers, powered on by the second-row pairing of Michael Kemp and Matt Marston, Manor knew early on they could bank on their forwards to secure ball and field position.
From a kickable penalty near to the 22, Joyce dabbed the ball to touch sparking a catch and drive which was finished by captain Chris Goode for his first league try of the campaign. The score was unimproved as Park opened a 10-point lead with 16 minutes gone.
With his pack on the front foot, Joyce was given the green light to attack the gain line at will. From a scrum outside his own 22 he chopped over the centres before a covering Upton player slid on the loose ball. However, it wasn’t secured and Graham pounced on the loose ball and release Joyce to sprint home from 40 metres out into the corner for his ninth try of the season. Having hit the post with his previous conversion attempt, Bishop landed the extra two points via the cross bar.
Jordan Rice had only made his competitive debut for his new club the previous weekend but he showcased his abilities with a series of barnstorming breaks with ball in hand.
He would play a key role in the bonus-point sealing fourth try of the afternoon.
After Joyce kicked a 22 drop out straight into touch, Upton, perhaps unwisely, opted for a scrum on the 22m line. The forward surged over the ball and livewire Will Woodward broke away. He fed Rice to run upfield before releasing Graham on halfway. The winger had plenty to do but pinned his ears back to registered his second try of the game, and eighth of the season.
Upton were in familiar territory at half time. Last week they trailed Kings Norton 15-0 and rallied in the second half to score 17 unanswered points to claim victory. However, overturning a 22-point deficit was always going to be a tall order.
But the visitors did show some of the form which saw them soar to the top of the league in the second half, earning turnovers in key areas and a number of penalties went their way.
Seven minutes after the restart they managed their only score of the game when an Upton forward forced his way over from close range following a five-metre line out.
Linekar Lashley arrived in place of Moore and produced a barnstorming performance of ball carrying and sterling defensive work. Stephen Ballard made his debut and was right into the thick of the action as Park stifled any momentum built from Upton’s score.
With 14 minutes to play , Park put the game to bed. Joyce’s delayed pass release Callum Bishop to run home into the bomb hole corner for the game’s sixth, and final, try.
Although disappointed not to add further scores against a spirited Upton outfit, Park’s mission as complete as they move two points clear at the top, with a game in hand, ahead of Saturday’s trip to Alcester.

Match details

Match date

Sat 14 Nov 2015

Kickoff

14:15

Meet time

12:00
Team overview
Further reading

Team Sponsors

Player, Board and Sleeve - Sophia - Pregnancy Loss Support
Shirt, Match Ball, Pitch side board and Player - CJG Carpentry and Joinery
Player - The Rose Inn
Player - Weddington Allotments Association
Main and Player - Magna Signs
Post Protectors and Sponsor Board - MAN Commercial Protection
Sponsor Board - Creative Carpentry Services
2nd Team Shirt and Player - Laws Designs
Player Sponsor - Allure Hair and Beauty
Player, Shirt and Board - Midlands Horse Arenas
Player - Graphic Press
Player - M2 Square Print and Retail Solutions
Player - Seven Care Services
Player - Directors Cut Photo Booth
Player - Bridgehouse Hairdressing
Physio - Match Fit Kit Schoolwear LTD
Main Shirt and Player sponsor - Countrywide Tax and Trust Corporation LTD
Player - CA Belcher LTD
Player - #TeamLily Foundation
Player - The Original Alternative
Player - BSS Industrial
Player - Husky Wines
Pitch side board - Arbury Carpets
Player and Pitch side board - Cotton Commercials
Pitch side board and sleeve - Fort Facades LTD
Pitch side board and Shirt - G.Wallis Property Services LTD
Player - Dalwood Vineyards
Dug out and Player - Ivor King
Shirt and Pitch Side Board - The Crew
Player - Tom King Plant Training
Player - GDC Services LTD
Player - Simply Lovely Landscaping
Main Sponsor, Dug out Sponsor and Polo Sponsor - Bates Timber Merchants Ltd
Sponsor - County Building Supplies
Shirt, Board and Player - Strong Window Solutions
Player and Sleeve - The Horseshoes Pub
Player, Board and Sleeve - ACSAP Roofing
Player - DM Boxing
Player and Pitch side board - D C Leake Jewellers
Player - Evies Cakes
Player - Lichfield Street Motor Company
Player and Pitch side board - Benchmarx Kitchens and Joinery
Player - British Forces Resettlement Services
Player - Prime Vending Solutions
Player - Survival Fitness
Player - Tow Trust Towbars
Player - SD Contractors
Player - The Cross Keys Burbage
Player - The Sycamores Burbage
Player - The Anchor Inn Burbage
Board - Crowhill Butchers
Board - Sam Bruton Travel
Board - Thomas Flavell and Sons