DMPRFC 15 v ROCHDALE RFC 7

If the mood in the changing room was any sort of gauge as to the team performance of the first game of the season, onlookers would have thought that Park had lost the home encounter against Rochdale RFC, instead of recording a 15 – 7 win.

A game of missed opportunities was the order of the day and Park will need to take them in the games ahead if they are to mix it in the higher echelons of the league table.

Taking nothing away from Rochdale, who arrived full of expectation as last season’s promoted champions of North West One, having clearly dominated that league. Their game plan was simple and obvious from the start, but when their big forwards failed to dominate the home pack, their Plan B had not been contemplated.

The loss of scrum half play maker Martin Lithgo early doors, just about summed up the day for Park and even though flanker Dan Kennedy tried his level best in that position, the backs were never released in the usual manner and were therefore unable to shine.

The early exchanges between the forwards were lively and combative and it was early notice of the type of forwards that this league will offer, with some experienced operatives in the visiting side, who were intent on close quarter action.

It was Park who opened the scoring after 12 minutes, when Howie Murray burrowed over, after some tight interplay between the home forwards. The conversion was easy for Ben Snook.

Then came the loss of Martin Lithgo with a knee injury which may keep him on the sidelines for several weeks. Dan Kennedy deputised with Luke Monument off the bench and in on the flank.

A further penalty by Ben Snook was the only other score before the break, after Park had repelled some serious attempts at scoring on their line prior to oranges.

Matty Lister was lost to injury shortly after the interval, being replaced by Alan Jones who faired well.

It was Rochdale however, who emerged from the break as the more eager to take charge, as they scored as Park napped at a quick throw in after a penalty, allowing the away flanker to score under the posts. The conversion readily taken for a score after 55 minutes of 10 – 7.

Sloppy mistakes in the red zone cost both sides further scoring opportunities, but the final score came from 6’ 9’’ home lock Chris Oakley, again after some close quarter stuff from the forwards.

Replacements were then interchanged, but the game petered out, with Park the victors.

FINAL SCORE – DMP 15 v ROCHDALE 7