Lewsey leads the way as Park record deserved win

The final score did not reflect the fact that both teams - who both claimed a bonus point - had equal amounts of possession and both teams played some excellent attacking rugby in this Midlands 3 East South contest.

The difference on the day was that Park took all their chances, ruthlessly cashing in on home-team errors with man-of-the-match, fly half Brandon Lewsey, scoring a hat-trick of tries and kicking 13 points to give him a total of 28 points for the game.

Lewsey was aided by an excellent performance from fullback Rob Jack, who scored two well-taken individual tries, showing great pace to shatter the home team’s defence.

In the forwards, second row Phil Doherty was prominent throughout, winning good lineout ball and competing strongly in all phases.

Rushden took an early 5-0 lead before Lewsey began his scoring.

Firstly, he kicked a penalty and then barged over for a try which he converted.

This was followed up by a sharply-taken interception try, again converted, giving Park a 17-5 lead.

Jack then scored two excellent tries, one converted by Lewsey, with the home team scoring a try of their own to take the score to 29-10 in Park’s favour.

Next a mix-up in the home team midfield gave centre Alfie Daly an opportunity which he quickly turned into a further try for Park, converted by Lewsey.

A further interception try by Lewsey was matched by the home team, who added two more tries to make the final score 43-24 to Park to conclude an entertaining game and a deserved victory for Park.

Park’s Second XV completed a comprehensive 83-0 victory over neighbours Luton RFC to maintain their successful season.

Former Stockwood Park Colts, lock forward Connor Underwood and tight head prop forward Sean Keegan, both made their debuts on Sunday for the East Midlands under 20s team.

They competed against Notts, Lincs and Derbys, in the National Under 20s County Championship, played at Leighton Buzzard RFC.

The East Midlands won 24-5 with Keegan barging over for a try on his debut.

President of the East Midlands RU, Nick Powley, commented: “Both players acquitted themselves well and made good contributions to the victory.”