Stockwood Park recorded another emphatic bonus point win in the league, scoring 9 tries in the process. Park skipper Frank Daly led the way in the 8th minute with a smart pickup and sprint for the line. This was followed by the try off the game, finished off by hooker Thulani Dhliwayo who burst through two tackles before dummying his way over under the posts. This was converted by fly half Sean Martyn, for the first of his 21 point haul in the match, comprising a try and 8 out of 9 conversions. Rushden kicked a penalty to bring it back to 12-3 but that was to be their last points in the game. Speedy winger Jerome Isles provided a classy finish for the next try to make the score 19-3 at half time.
Isles outpaced the defence again to add his second try soon after the resumption as Park pulled away on the scoreboard. The home forwards took control of the match with Mark Smith, Michael Keady-Wallis and Sonny Monaghan carrying strongly and Keiran Taylor and Dan Loft tireless in providing continuity and quick ball for the backs. Park piled on the pressure in the last quarter with further tries for Jordan Fadoju, Joe Galbraith, his first try for the 1st XV, Martyn, a second for Frank Daly and finally full back Oliver Daly finishing off a 90 metre move for a comprehensive victory. Coach Tom Edmunds declared himself pleased with the emphatic nature of the win noting that “it was important to bounce back after last week and the squad showed outstanding spirit both in preparation and in the game itself”.
Next week Stockwood Park travel to St Ives for another league Fixture on the Saturday ko 3pm. Park women, who like the men are in the top 3 league places travel to Milton Keynes on Sunday, KO 2pm.