Rugby produced another second half fight back to draw level with Park before succumbing to a late penalty goal. Lions kicked off on a bright sunny afternoon, and soon went behind with Dylan Pugh slotting a penalty from in front of the posts. Lions hit back shortly after following a chip ahead from Harry Owens. Phil Reed caught the ball superbly before slipping it to Ade Hales. He scorched down the touchline in typical fashion to touch down in front of the scoreboard. James Hawken converted to put Rugby four points ahead at 3-7.

That was as good as it got for the home side in the first half, as Park showed what a well-drilled side they are. Their kicking out of hand was much more precise and the penetration in their backs was ably demonstrated when Jonathan Swords was given space down the right to score in the corner. The conversion was missed, but the visitors were back in front and looking dangerous. Fullback Chris Simmons came into the line and poor tackling allowed him to run through for an easy try. This time the conversion was from a more favourable position and Pugh made no mistake. Sixteen minutes played, and fifteen points on the board for Park.

Another flowing back’s move, aided by the officials missing a clear forward pass, led to Sword’s second try in the right corner. Pugh missed the conversion attempt from the touchline. Park hooker Aperaamo was then given ten minutes in the sin-bin for not releasing a tackled player. A penalty by Hawken was matched by one from Pugh with the last kick of the first period.

Rugby started the second half brightly with some much improved kicking out of hand putting Park under pressure. Pinned in their own half, Park eventually conceded a penalty, which Hawken surprisingly pushed wide of the posts. Seconds later, the visitors infringed again and this time Hawken made no mistake with the kick.

When Park did get out of their own half, Lion’s defence was much improved and Toby Handley put in a great tackle on Swords to prevent his hat trick try. Park replacement Morgan Jones was then given a spell in the bin for use of the boot well after play had moved on. Nashie then set off on a run deep into Park’s twenty two, and Matt Goode carried the move on, only to collide with the referee. However, Park were penalised for offside right in front of the posts. Toby took a quick tap, and following a couple of forward drives, the ball came out to Hawken, who ghosted through the defence to score near the uprights and leave the Park players whinging at the referee. Hawken converted his own kick and suddenly Rugby were only three points adrift with twelve minutes remaining.

Lion’s tails were now up, and Liam Munro galloped down the left flank, only to be hauled down five metres short. The ball was recycled quickly and Hawken tried the cross kick to the right wing and Lions claimed the touchdown. The assistant referee’s flag was up, however, and the referee bought play back for a penalty to the Lions, after Park were offside in front of their posts. Hawken made no mistake and with eight minutes left on the clock, Lions looked the likely winners.

It was not to be, however as the excellent Alex Nash was adjudged to have held on to the ball on his own twenty-two. Pugh made no mistake with the penalty, and Lion’s hopes were dashed.

When Park’s Graham Barr’s playing career is over, he will surely have a bright future as a referee, as he ably assisted today’s official throughout the game.