LPRFC D2 32 Fox Valley 12

Sideline tank tops were in abundance as Park battled the heat and their opponents in an earlier than usual pre-season warm up.

It was not an auspicious start to the game as Park gave up a try after only 3 minutes following a break down the Maoris’ left wing but parity was soon restored by Finnegan taking advantage of an overload to score the first of his four tries on the day.

Despite the hot weather, Park worked hard to develop their up-tempo, running style and created several chances through unselfish support lines – only the odd forward pass preventing even more opportunities.

New club captain, Laux, lead from the front, a constant menace at the breakdown all game and setting up McCann for Park’s second try with a steal at the ruck.

Called to start at the last minute, Heatley pressed his claims to the hooker spot with stellar work in the loose.

Further tries by Davis and Laux sandwiching a second from Fox Valley gave Park a 20 – 12 lead at halftime.

For much of the second half, neither team was able to add to the score until Finnegan completed his hat-trick in the final ten minutes.

Try: Finnegan 3, McCann 1, Laux 1, Davis 1
Con: Jahner 1

LPRFC D3 24 Fox Valley 5

With both sides being short of two full squads, a third half was agreed upon to allow each team to get essential pre-season minutes for their players. Many had already made their way into the game as substitutes in the first 80 minutes.

Park continued on in an impressive manner with Frisch opening the scoring with a 50 yard run that included at least 4 cutbacks and changes of direction.

Branham to Long proved to be a better choice than Long to Branham as the center-cum-backrow put away his Number 8 for a try under the posts before Finnegan grabbed his fourth of the day and Aiello scooped up a rolling ball for surely the shortest try of his career.

One more score was left on the table when Shaaban did not quite have the pace to out run the Maori wing from 40 yards.

Try: Frisch 1, Long 1, Finnegan 1, Aiello 1
Con: Olander 1, Finnegan 1