PEORIA 40 LPRFC D3 24

An improved second half performance was not enough to come back against their first league opponents, but a last gasp try by Husselbee ensured that Park at least came away with a bonus point.

Park’s forwards surged towards the Peoria line in a desperate attempt for the fourth try and but several offsides penalties kept out Park’s runs until Baldwin spun a long pass to Park’s midfield where the debutant stretched out to touch down.

On a hot and humid day, Park struggled in the early stages, too often giving their opponents the opportunity to attack from penalties for offside. The scrum too struggled as Peoria had great front-foot ball to work with.

The No 8. was the first to take advantage with a crashing run from 10 yards and Peoria soon added to that early score with a second try.

After the early setbacks, Park started to get back into match and Schwartz burst through under the posts from the twenty-two to pull Park back within 7 points. However, the two-try advantage was restored soon afterwards when a Park dropped pass was scooped up by the Peoria flyhalf.

With five minutes remaining in the half, Peoria scored again and Park were left with a deficit of 21 points at halftime; the Peoria kicker perfect on his conversion attempts.

The introduction of David at tighthead and a reshuffle of the pack steadied Park’s scrum and while not going forward , they were able to secure their own ball.

With better possession, Park were able to open up their offence. The backline started to probe the wider channels and only indecision thwarted good opportunities. Ehlert, Szafran and Burke were willing to attack from all areas of the field.

Fleming pulled back a try, eschewing his support out wide but neatly stepping inside the covering defence. A long break from Peoria’s scrum-half who was instrumental in setting up their attacks all game looked to have taken the wind out of any comeback but in the final 7 minutes, first Schwartz – rounding the wing on the far left – then Husselbee, gave Park the bonus point.

Team: Sowa, Fraser (David 40), Leyman, Fleming, Perrizo (Barrie 57), Heatley (Mullen 57), Schwartz, Jewell, Aiello (Baldwin 55), Olander, Ehlert, Huschen (Burke 40), Husselbee, Szafran, Weimer

Try: Schwartz 2, Fleming 1, Husselbee 1
Con: Weimer 2