Sat 11 Mar 2023
Altrincham Kersal v WPRFC
11th March 2023 – Park close the season with narrow loss
Altrincham Kersal 15 – 13 WPRFC
This week Park travelled to Altrincham Kersal (AK) for the last league fixture of the season. With AK 7th in the league and Park in 8th this was going to be an evenly matched game with both sides looking to close out the 2022-2023 season with a win. The last meeting was all the way back to the first game of the season which Park won 30-24. Park kicked off and immediately secured the ball and had a good start with strong carries forcing AK to defend and we were awarded a penalty for in minute one for AK being offside in their own 22 which Benny Elliot converted to take the lead (0-3). AK restarted and Park secured the ball and immediately went wide but a handling error gave AK a scrum on the Park 22. AK attacked Park but we held firm initially with a good defensive set but AK kept the pressure on and scored their first unconverted try of the match on 7 minutes following a driving maul from a lineout which looked to be a set piece move (5-3). The next quarter of an hour was a cagey encounter with both teams having a reasonable amount of ball but also good defence from both sides to stunt any attack. Park started to find their rhythm and were making good ground with some impressive carries and both forwards and backs linking up to get over the gain line and were rewarded with a penalty on 20 minutes in the AK 22 for indiscipline at the ruck which Benny Elliot converted to take the lead (5-6). AK were again resilient and following a penalty against Park they kicked for territory and from the lineout the spun the ball out wide quickly and scored in the corner with a converted try on 24 minutes to retake the lead (12-6). The remainder of the first half was a tough grinding match with both sides having decent possession but Park looked the better side but AK were very impressive in defence and kept the scoreline at (12-6)
Half time score 12 - 6
The second half started with AK having the early possession and attacked Park from the ‘get go’ and needed a great try saving cover tackle from Benny Elliot to save Park from another try in the corner within the first 3 minutes of the second half. Park found a bit of possession and used the boot to gain territory and rewarded with a scrum 5 metres out from the AK goal line. Park won the scrum and put together 6 phases of attack through the forwards and then saw an opportunity on the right wing with an overlap with Benny Elliot trying to connect with Alex Burrage but AK knocked on the potential intercept and referee deemed a professional foul and awarded a penalty try (12-13). The game had 30 minutes to go and was definitely in the balance with both sides capable of taking the win. Both sides were hungry for the win and played to their strengths but both sides were steadfast in defence and the arm wrestle continued throughout the second half. With Park one point in the lead, this was going to be down to game management and one error could win or lose the game. Unfortunately it was Park who made an error in their own 22 being caught offside in a very kickable position with only 9 minutes left on the clock. AK took the points to take the lead (15-13) and held on to win a very tight game between two sides in similar positions.
On reflection of the season as a whole it was certainly a season of two halves, with 3 from 12 wins pre-Christmas break and 5 from 10 wins in 2023. It certainly has been a transition season with the restructure and promotion to level 6 and the team has worked really hard in tough league to compete at this level - congratulations to the whole set up.
Final score Altrincham Kersal 15 – 13 WPRFC
Team: Chris Twigg, Liam Geary, Alex Burrage, James Johnson (captain), Charlie Hyde, Benny Elliot, Cameron Flanagan, Tom King, Justin Oles, Evan Boucher, Benn Cann, Dave Cross, Matt Treacy, Jack England, Dan Williams, Gary Dykes, Bruce McGrogan and Gregor Purves
