Charlton Park roared back to form with a commanding 27-0 victory over old friends and rivals Park House, delivering a full-throttle performance in front of a lively home crowd who’d warmed up with a three-course meal. The atmosphere was electric, and the rugby didn’t disappoint.

Fast Start, Fierce Defence

From the first whistle, Charlton Park were on the front foot. The forwards punched holes, and debutant fly-half Harry Crabtree pulled the strings with sharp tactical kicking and confident distribution. Park House had early chances from the tee, but both attempts drifted wide – and that was the last sniff they got.

Charlton Park’s defence was watertight. Aggressive in the tackle and disciplined across the park, they snuffed out Park House’s lineout-driven attacks and showed the fruits of a hard-working week on the training pitch. No unforced errors, no backward steps.

Crabtree & Spriddell: The New Axis

Crabtree’s debut was a revelation – a composed playmaker who gave Charlton Park a new dimension. Alongside him, Sam Spriddell added bite and variety in midfield, combining direct running with clever kicks. Together, they unlocked the Park House defence time and again.

Try of the Half

Just before the break, Charlton Park struck gold. Ratu Runiivi launched a counter from deep, linking with Reion Raybe, Izzy Matea, and finally Idris Hill, who finished under the posts. A coast-to-coast team try, capped by Crabtree’s conversion. 7-0 at the half.

Second Half Surge

The second half was all Charlton Park. Crabtree slotted a penalty for 10-0, then helped spark a break that led to a yellow card for Park House. A poor dropout gifted Josh Fenn a chance, and after a pick-and-go, George crashed over. Another conversion, and it was 17-0.

Park House couldn’t cope. Another penalty, another three points. Then came the try of the match – Runiivi with a blistering break, slick offloads, and James Hamilton powering over. Crabtree added the extras. 27-0.

Defence Wins Games

Even with 13 men on the field after a flurry of yellow cards, Charlton Park’s defence held firm. Park House tried everything – including a cheeky penalty move disguised as a lineout – but were driven backwards. The bonus point try eluded Park, but the scoreboard told the story.

From the Coach

Shae Tucker was all smiles post-match:

“Finally it’s clicked – and how good does it feel! We looked dangerous from everywhere. Defence was awesome. Physicality, fitness, attitude – that’s what won it. Two scoring chances for them all game. Now we rest, then we go again.”

Player of the Match

Josh Fenn took the honours – relentless in attack, rock-solid in defence, and inches from a try. A complete performance.

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Next Up: Ashford away – Saturday 8 November. Let’s keep the momentum rolling.