Jack Gash’s blistering counter-attack secured a 22-17 win against Plymouth Albion at the Rock, with Park's Arthur Ellis names star player.

Arthur Ellis and Tom Vaughan-Edwards scored either side of half time to keep up pressure on league leaders Ampthill. Dean Squire’s brace and Herbie Stupple’s late effort won a losing bonus point for Plymouth.

There was nothing to choose between the two side for the first 15 minutes, a battle of the packs ensuing. But Park’s first sustained attacked a minute later earned their reward, Ellis skipping through to jump under the posts.

The home side’s lead was gone on the half-hour, though, Fraser Honey’s kick catching out the backs as Squire went through. Park were in control again two minutes later, Harry Leonard kicking the penalty for a half-time lead.

Plymouth controlled from the restart as they hemmed Power’s men in for 20 minutes, Josh Skelcey and Jack Arnott going close. But it was the home side that scored next, Vaughan-Edwards finishing a pacey maul with 15 minutes to go.


Jack Gash on the attack

Park had their third when Jack Gash finished off a counter-attacking move started by Ellis’s run five minutes later. Plymouth were not done, though, as Squires finished off his own counter with two minutes to go. Captain Stupple secured the losing bonus point with the last set piece of the game, driving the scrum over.

Park travel to Bedfordshire for a massive encounter against league leaders Ampthill. Paul Turner’s side had a scare against Darlington Mowden Park as they cut a 28-point half-time deficit to lose 26-33. Kieran Power will hope his boys can repeat their heroic 10-6 win from December as the title battle could be decided at Dillingham Park.

Rosslyn Park

Tries: Ellis A 16, Vaughan-Edwards 63, Gash 68

Conversions: Leonard 17, 69

Penalties: Leonard 32

Team (15-9/1-8): Oli Grove; Bam Fadahunsi (Charlie Amesbury 56), Henry Robinson, Joe Munro, Benji Marfo; Harry Leonard, Ben Williams (Jack Gash 49); Paul Doran-Jones, Tom Vaughan-Edwards (Owen Hughes 64), Stewart Maguire (Ali Wade 41, Maguire 75, Wade 77); Adam Frampton, Gregor Gillanders; Henry Spencer (Hugh Tizard 60), Arthur Ellis, Hugo Ellis ©


Attendance: 900 - Referee: Joe James



Warren Muggleton @WMuggleton

images: David E Whittam

March 25, 2019