Andrew Henderson spots a gap

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If the final score slightly flatters Park, they were still good value for the bonus point win that keeps them in fifth place in National 1.

Fylde, with a strong wind at their backs, made the early going, starving Park of possession and scoring tries through the back row pair of Ben Vernon and David Fairbrother in the 14th and 22nd minutes. Both efforts were converted by fly half Greg Smith for a lead of 0-14.

Ali Wade and Mo Nwakor thwart a Fylde attack

That galvanised Park, who began to win worthwhile possession and pressed the visiting defence, leading to a yellow card for Fylde full-back Warren Spragg.

Park took full advantage. Winger Josh Watkins got over from close range on 32 minutes, fly half Harry Leonard’s conversion halving the deficit.

Six minutes later Leonard turned provider, with a smart grubber kick inside his own half starting a superb move that was finished off by centre Rhys Crane under the posts. Leonard’s conversion attempt was charged down so Fylde took a 14-12 lead into the second half, but this time facing the wind.

Park began to dominate play and forward pressure from a series of pick-and-drives ended with Watkins sniping his second try from close range. Leonard converted and, eight minutes later, added a penalty for 22-14.

Fylde showed they still needed to be respected, banging a penalty to touch deep in the Park 22 and lock Jack Turley crashed over out wide for 22-19 on the hour.

That was Fylde’s final flourish as Park stepped up their game. Jamie Harries burst through attempted tackles to score, bringing the bonus point, converted by Leonard for 29-19 on 69 minutes.

Park on the attack

Fylde were by now completely flummoxed and the match was ended with prop Ali Wade running in a good try, converted by Leonard, while Fylde lost two defenders to the sin bin. Final score 36-19.

Park Forwards Coach, Kieran Power, said he was, “Happy with the result, but not with the first 60 minutes. We had lots of changes with youngsters coming in so overall I’m pleased with the outcome - but there’s a lot of work to do leading into the match at Coventry next week. That’s a big game and we have to be sure we get the development right of the younger players coming in”.

Park: Henderson, Crane, Reay, Kohler; Leonard; Gash; Nwakor, Piper, Maguire; Milne, Frampton; Ovens, Harries, Spencer.
Bench: Vaughan-Edwards, Wade, Taggart, Brand, Grove

Park scorers: Watkins (2T), Crane (T), Harries (T), Wade (T), Leonard (4C, P)

Charlie Addiman

Images: Marian Parker

March 27, 2017