Downhill struggle as Park House snatch last minute win

Neither side could take advantage of the notorious slope at Barnet Wood Road, as fortunes swung dramatically in this competitive local derby. Heavy conditions dictated a forward contest in which the heavier Park House pack looked to hold the trump cards, but the Dunstonian eight stuck to their task to grab the initiative for long periods of the second half.
Unfortunately, the visitors could not put together a consistent set piece game to complement some rampaging, line busting loose play, particularly at the line out where Park House were able to steal an unexpected advantage. In truth, Dunstonians made another sluggish start to a game that demanded intensity and concentration from the off. As soon as the ball was lost at the first OD scrum, in a promising position, attack turned into uninterrupted defence and OD’s suddenly found themselves two converted tries down within 10 minutes. Already, both sets of three quarters were finding progress difficult with ball in hand and the kick chase option began to dominate. Eventually, OD’s shook off their stupor and launched an assault in the Park House 22. Well-executed phases took the ball wide, from where Conor Mitchell got over the line with a typical burst of speed and determination on the short side of the breakdown, which, unfortunately, took the conversion slightly out of Mike Ubee’s range.
If OD’s thought the game had turned, they were quickly disillusioned by some improvised, marauding Park House play that capitalised on some hesitant defence and a wicked bounce of the ball. The result was another seven points, gifted not earned, but nevertheless putting the home side comfortably in front with the slope to look forward to in the second half. At half time, it was difficult to see how Dunstonians were going to change the shape of the game. What is different these days, however, is the strength of the OD bench, and coach Phil Ubee was able to swing the game’s momentum with the early introduction of stalwarts Jamie Pecorella and Tom McNamara who, like the cavalry charge at the Battle of Blenheim, brought much needed control and impact to the forward exchanges. The result of fast moving objects hitting slow or stationary ones, is to allow the whole team to play on the front foot and, not only did the forwards collectively and individually begin to impose themselves, but half backs Booth and Ubee were able to explore better kicking and passing options.
Soon enough after the resumption, the belligerent Mitchell once again found space and the acceleration to notch his second try and take the score to 21-10. Despite the conditions and pitch advantage, a tiring Park House side had no answer to counter the increased OD uphill tempo, which repeatedly brought the visitors back into the opposition half. The Conor Mitchell show continued with his best effort of the match. Again, the omnipresent hooker took advantage of some flimsy Park House tackling to break the first line of defence and then beat the scrambling cover to score his hat-trick try. Inspired, the blue and white assault intensified, with Park House’s increasingly high risk resistance bringing a yellow card and an OD penalty try for collapsing the scrum.
Unlikely as it had looked, OD’s now led by a point after 70 minutes and the match was set for a tense finish. Another yellow card for the home side should really have settled it but as Park House summoned a spirited final effort, at last the slope came into play and helped them to camp deep in the OD half. Although Dunstonians were still winning ball and penalties, they were unable to get out of the danger zone and close down the game. Time seemed to stand still as the final scrum held steady and the Park House fly half, who had kicked immaculately all day, dropped back into the pocket and swung a big left boot to send the ball straight between the OD posts for the winning points.
So, the enduring rivalry of these two clubs was aptly reflected in a game that was only won in the final minutes. It was a remorseless, oscillating forward effort leaving the backs to sometimes wonder why rugby is a fifteen-man game. If OD’s had been mindful of conceding too many points early in the game and being forced to play catch-up rugby, it didn’t show but they caught up pretty well and take immense credit for getting into a winning position, scoring four tries to three. The first game of 2018 showed the task ahead and that it will take every ounce of fitness, ambition and resolve to sustain league success against improving sides. Of course, they must also learn to take advantage of the slope when they can.

Scorers:
Tries Conor Mitchell (3), Penalty Try

MoM: Conor Mitchell (see above) Outstanding - a game way beyond the hooker's brief.