Ensians claim derby day victory over long standing rivals

Playing down the slope in the first half the visitors moved into the attack and after six minutes shunned the opportunity of a three-point penalty by opting for a scrum, resulting in a try by prop George Martin converted by Jake Bentley.

This fired ‘Park' into action, and from a scrappy line-out they went over in the corner followed by a great conversion to equalise the scores.

For the next 20 minutes play was fairly even. However, Ensians were on top in the scrums and a powerfulrun by skipper Luke Exley put Park on the back foot.

Both defences worked hard, helped by a few handling errors, to prevent any further score until the 27th minute. From a scrum in the home half the ball sped across the visitors’ line to quicksilver Will Howarth who sprinted 60 metres down the left wing to beat all opposition and score wide out followed by a superb conversion by Jake Bentley.

Defences were on top for the rest of the half and the away supporters wondered whether a 7-point lead would be sufficient with the home team playing down the slope in the second half.

Ensians started with a strong attack repulsed by the home team, who after ten minutes opened out the ball to a speedy winger who scored an unconverted try in the corner.

Not to be outdone the visitors quickly stormed into the home territory and from a penalty near the line and several phases by the forwards Luke Exley forced his way over the whitewash but the conversion hit the post and went astray. 19-12 to the visitors.

Again, defences were in the ascendancy for the next half hour with the home team anxious to even up the match. However, on 40 minutes Luke Cowdell played a high kick from 60 metres out, followed up at speed by Will Howarth and when the ball bounced awkwardly near the Park line, he gathered it up to score a great try converted by Luke Bentley; 26-12 to the visitors.

Despite a small fightback from the hosts, Ensians sealed a 31-19 victory.