LPRFC D3 12 Chicago Riot 79

With a patched up side, Park were overmatched by one of the Division’s top teams. With several players unavailable, it was always going to be a difficult matchup especially in the pack where Park were fortunate to find 8 able bodies.

The Riot came out of the blocks hard and scored 4 tries in the opening quarter before Park were able to use the kicking game a little more effectively to relieve some of the constant pressure.

There were bright spots even in such a lopsided score. The Mullen to Carey connection in the lineout was a constant source of possession with Carey also being a threat at many of the breakdowns. Heatley too provided a nuisance defensively from the unfamiliar position of No 8.

It was winger turned wing-forward Mechling whose workrate impressed the most, throwing his body into the fray against much bigger foes.

While always difficult for Park’s backs to get much frontfoot ball, on the occasions they did, they looked to attack wide with newcomer Hennessy proving to be a slippery runner and Prengaman scoring a try in the corner on his return to the side.

In the second half “Miles” Davis scored Park’s second try with an interception from 30 yards and the clock was turned back to circa 1998, the last time Wilson appeared in the No 8 jersey.

Team: Primdahl (McCaffrey), Mullen, Larios, Carey (Wilson), David, Fraser, Mechling, Heatley (Eppert), Aiello, Olander, Hennessey (Engle), Huschen, Frisch, Prengamen (Davis), Burke

Try: Prengamen 1, Davis 1
Con: Olander 1