On Saturday Charlton Park played hosts to league leaders Canterbury Pilgrims in a well- contested, (despite the scoreline) match at Broad Walk.
Following a well-observed 2 minutes’ silence to honour the fallen, Canterbury raced into an early lead by way of a converted try following a maul from a lineout, but Park hit back swiftly with a penalty kick by Alex Miller following a scrum penalty. Indeed Park’s scrum was to prove superior throughout the game.
At the halfway point of the half, the visitors scored an almost identical try, again converted but Park again hit back with another successful kick by Miller following a penalty at the breakdown.
Successful penalty kicks from both sides meant the half time score was 9-17.
A good first half display by Park, belying their league position, putting the visitors under pressure, forcing errors and winning penalties.
Park needed a good start to the second half but their good work was undone, almost from the restart gave Canterbury another 7 points, players stopping for the whistle following a confusing hand signal by the otherwise excellent referee.
Canterbury were now putting the home side under pressure and 2 more tries, one converted (the other conversion was charged down by Reion) extended the lead further.
Park then hit back with a try of their own. Following yet another scrum penalty, the ball was moved quickly through the hands, with Jerry flicking a deft pass to the evergreen Barry O’ Keeffe who finished in the corner. Miller was again successful with the touchline conversion.
The away side’s superior fitness and cohesion was now clearly evident, with them running the ball form all parts of the pitch, scoring two more converted tries.

Final Score – Charlton Park 16 – Canterbury Pilgrims 50

There was no shame in defeat, this match gave Park plenty of encouragement, with everyone giving 100% commitment against a very good side.

Man of the Match was Ross Sidebottom for an outstanding defensive display.
Next Week Park are away at Beccehamian. Kick off 2.30