It had to happen at some point, and in the mud at Westcombe Park, against an abrasive and efficient opponent, it did.

Park opened the scoring with a barnstorming run from their rangy centre, who was a threat all day, helped by some below-par defence from TJs, it has to be said. It wasn't that long before they added a second, TJs being caught offside at the attempt at exiting, and it looked like being a long day for TJs. However, the team dug in and a ding-dong in the mud ensued. The clash of styles was intriguing with TJs trying to get the ball through the hands and wide, and Park rolling up the middle, and with their second runner concentrating on blasting TJs out of the ruck, giving a short ball to the next runner. Osher got his name on the sheet as TJs style paid off, getting the ball wide out on the left and over he went. Tjs into the sheds a try down with lots to think about at the end of the half.

Park started the second in the same way as they'd started the first, powerful runs up the field, with some passive tackling by TJs providing the required momentum for Park to crash over for the opening score of the half. However, the resolve stiffened in the middle of the pitch, Relle particularly adopting the on ne passe pas against the Park runners in the Somme-like conditions. Again, the clash of styles was evident and the next on the scoresheet was Lucas who'd found space in the wider channels and made it pay. Vincent carved his way through for the next in trademark style, again finding space in the wider channels away from the congestion in the middle of the pitch. The game was going down to the wire. However, Park had the final word, and put the game to bed with a try at the death.

A huge amount of pride for the team today playing opponents who out-sized us significantly, but the boys rose to the challenge well. Westcombe Park were generous hosts, commenting that on a different day on a faster pitch the result may well have been different. However, in the end, Park were worthy winners.

So many great performances across the board today, Mitchell, Cooper, Bates, Beamish (x2) and Wallis were determined forwards, although somewhat outmuscled today, they weren't outdogged. The halfbacks of Lane, Snow and Streeten-Smith did their best to launch our backline. Kirsopp added steel in midfield in defence and hard-charging runs, Lucas played his part and took his try well. Hendricks, Hartley and Osher provided width and pace to the attack and Vincent a steadying influence and incisive threat from the back. However, today was a day for the tough, and there were none tougher than Relle today - smashing people in the tackle and putting his body on the line for the team at the breakdown, outstanding by attitude and performance he takes the player of the match award for today.