Park had the visiting defence on the rack from kick off and kept up the pressure until the inevitable award of a penalty try, converted by Harry Leonard for 7-0.

Macclesfield equalised against the run of play on 19 minutes with a try from Tom Mantell, son of former Rosslyn Park and England player Neil Mantell, converted by Lewis Barker.

That served to fire up Park. Centre Andrew Henderson finished off a move after 31 minutes, converted by Leonard to restore the lead at 14-7.

Then Macclesfield temporarily imploded under the incessant pressure, five minutes before the interval. A Park drive ended in a penalty try, converted by Leonard, and a yellow card for Mantell. He was soon joined by number 8 Ryan Parkinson.

Park took full advantage with a further try from debutant Rhys Crane, converted by Leonard, who added a penalty for good measure and a penalty for a half time lead of 31-7.


Mark Kohler on the attack for Park

Almost from kick off for the second period flanker Jamie Harris scooted in for Park, followed five minutes later by Harry Leonard, who converted both efforts for 45-7.

A rare visiting attack was stopped by a deliberate knock on by Park lock Richard Boyle, who was yellow carded. Scrummaging against a reduced pack Macclesfield gained a penalty try, converted by Barker.

Replacement Joe Palmer then got over with Park still a man short, converted by Barker for 45-21 and suddenly ‘Macc’ looked anything but relegation contenders.

Scrum half Russ Weir soon steadied the ship with a try on 67 minutes, Leonard’s conversion making him the top points scorer in National 1.

Macclesfield came back with fly half Barker sniping a try that he converted himself on 73 minutes. But Park had the final say with Weir grabbing his second try in the last minute. This time it was Henderson who added the conversion for 59-28.

Park Forwards Coach, Kieran Power, said: “That was an encouraging attacking performance with plenty of aspects to work on and go forward with. With Blackheath in mind there will be a big focus on our defence and set piece going into what will be a big London derby at our old rivals”.

Park: Robinson; Crane, Henderson, Reay, Kohler; Leonard; Weir; Nwakor, Piper, Lovell; Inglis, Boyle; Taggart, Harries, Ellis
Bench: Nwakor, Lovell, Inglis, Crow, Grove
Park scorers: Leonard (T, P, 7C), Weir (2T), Henderson (T,C), Crane (T), Harries (T), 2 Penalty tries.

Charlie Addiman

Images: David Whittam

February 12, 2017