U15s - Percy Park Vs Barnsley

PERCY PARK U15'S 26 V BARNSLEY U15'S 5

Barnsley U15's ventured to the North East for their return fixture with Percy Park and were beaten by 26 - 5 in a thoroughly entertaining game.

The home side had several players on county duty and so started with a squad of just 15 players, but were able to field 3 U16's as substitutes, which offered continuity when injuries occurred.

The opening ten minutes were a tough, physical forward battle with some crunching tackles from both sides, and it was a loose ball at a line out that lead to the first score for Percy Park.

The forwards pounced on a ball that was tapped down, and forced their way over following a couple of missed tackles.

Barnsley looked devastating when they moved the ball out wide at pace, and Greg Colbridge and Joe Maycroft both went close, but were unable to supply the killer blow.

It was Percy Park however, who found the flanks to their liking and found an overlap down the left side. The kicker duly added the conversion to make the score 14 - 0 at half time.

The second half saw the home side score almost immediately after the kick off in a carbon copy move down the blind side, following a defensive error.

This seemed to kick start Barnsley who then played their best rugby of the game. The front row won the first of several balls against the head, and fly half Josh Lewis managed to squeeze through the narrowest of gaps to score on the left.

The Shaw Laners then played some delightful flowing rugby but were stopped short on three occasions by the North East outfit.

Percy Park then scored their fourth and final try following a kick and chase move.

Barnsley would have had the last word and made the score 26 - 10 when the backs spread the play from one wing to the next, but unfortunately Joe Maycroft, just like Forest Gump, kept on running after he crossed the try line, and put the ball down beyond the dead ball line !

He was subjected to a barrage of 'line' jokes in fine rugby tradition after the match, and now answers to the name 'Forest'

Dominic Barrow was awarded the man of the match following another superb display of line out jumping, and ball winning ability around the park.

Barnsley should take heart from the performance against a well drilled side, and showed in parts some exceptional running at pace.

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