1 week Ago
If Didsbury thought this third meeting of the season would prove successful, they were to be disappointed yet again as Park ran out 22-15 winners in a close and keenly fought contest. Both teams had made several changes from last week's encounter so there was an unknown element to this Papa Johns fixture. Didsbury took advantage of Park's early yellow card to open the scoring going over from close range.
But shortly after, a powerful surge from a line out saw captain 'Widge' Williams emerge from the melee to claim Park's first and only score of the first half. The visitors eventually slotted over a penalty on 35 minutes having spurned three earlier opportunities of kickable points preferring to try and make the most of their territorial advantage throughout the first 40. And on the last play of the first half they were rewarded with a converted try to lead 15-5 at the break.
With the wind behind them, Park began the second half brightly with a converted try on 47 minutes after more forward pressure and the scores were levelled with a Ben Houlton penalty on the hour mark. Didsbury were still posing a threat with good possession and territory but Park's defence proved resilient and disruptive, frustrating all efforts to break through. The game was effectively settled in the 65th minute with a try of extraordinary skill and execution.
Receiving the ball 30 metres from the line and seemingly surrounded with nowhere to go, young Sam Hitchmough produced a delicate grubber kick and outstripped the defenders to touch down within millimetres of the dead ball line to great acclaim from spectators and teammates alike. To add to the jubilation, Ben Houlton slotted over the conversion from the touchline. For the remainder of the game Park did what they do best - defend.
And they saw out the rest of the match with some confidence. This result takes Park into the next round away against an unbeaten Sutton Coldfield on April 26 and is sure to be a tough test after a long season..
