Rosslyn Park started 2017 in fantastic fashion winning a close and physical encounter against Plymouth Albion. Plymouth were lying 2nd in Nat 1 going into this game and looked very much worthy of that league position.

Park made a couple of basic errors early on in the game which allowed Plymouth territorial advantage. To Parks credit they defended with incredible determination and excellent structure to keep Plymouth out in these early stages.

However eventually the pressure told and Plymouth took a 0-7 lead on the half hour mark with a well taken try.


Mark Kohler scores Park’s first try

Park came back into the game immediately and for the first time in the half had some footing in Plymouths half. Following a couple of good attacking phases a classy break from Andrew Henderson released Mark Kohler to tap down against his former club. Harry Leonard knocked over and excellent touch line conversion to square things at 7-7 at the half time interval.

Park started the second half in immaculate fashion, early pressure brought just deserves and after some very neat footwork Henry Robinson excellently finished out wide to give Park their first lead of the match. Leonard again knocked over the conversion from the touch line to make the score 14-7

Park were beginning to take control of the game now and with front 5 forwards being rotated regularly off the bench they looked the more energetic and threatening team.

On the 65 minute mark Harry Leonard kicked a vital penalty stretching Parks lead to beyond a score at 17-7.

Plymouth bravely tried to fight back but were undone by more courageous and organised defensive work. Park still looked very threatening with ball in hand and the game was locked in a middle third battle.

Plymouth in injury time were awarded a penalty which they rightly chose to kick at goal with the clock dead and with it brought a deserved bonus point.

An excellent match in front of a large and loud crowd, a great win against quality opposition for Park to hopefully kickstart 2017.

Park are at home again this Saturday (14th) 3 pm KO v Old Albanian.

Park: Robinson, Watkins, Henderson, Morris, Kohler, Leonard, Crow; Nwakor, Piper, Maguire, Spivey, Boyle, Frampton (c), Hudson, Milne
Bench-Wade, Vaughan-Edwards, Inglis, Gash, Groves.
Park scorers- Kohler (T) Robinson (T) Leonard (P, 2C)

Rosslyn Park Coach Scott Sneddon commented post match:-
'We knew that plymouth were a strong side and a massive credit to the boys for the way we played. Defensively we were outstanding. We talked about backing up our form in the end of 2016 and we did exactly that by belief and work rate. At times we didn't help ourselves which put us under pressure but we took our chances when they came and that was the difference.

Whilst it was a great win to start off 2017, there is a big challenge next week with OA's at home. The disappointment and hurt from the loss in the away game earlier in the season is still there so we must make sure we back up the plymouth performance with another one next week.'

Shaun Justice

Images: David Whittam

January 8, 2017