
MATCH PREVIEW
Park House v Charlton Park
Saturday 14 February 2026 – KO 14:00 Confirmed
Barnet Wood Road, Hayes, Kent BR2 7AA
Weather: Sunny Intervals
Conditions: Expect it to be wet and muddy underfoot
Charlton Park return to league action after a two‑week breather, and while it may fall on Valentine’s Day, there’ll be absolutely no love lost at Barnet Wood Road. This is one of the oldest rivalries in Kent rugby — fixtures stretching back to the late 19th century — and both sides know exactly what’s at stake.
Park come into the game buoyed by a fine win over Crowborough a month ago and a gritty, point‑for‑point battle with Sevenoaks last time out. That second‑half performance in particular showed exactly what this squad is capable of: physicality, ambition, and a refusal to roll over. We’ll need every ounce of that determination again this weekend in what is, frankly, another must‑win game. At this stage of the season, they all are.
---
The Story So Far
Last time out, Charlton Park were beaten 36–7 by Sevenoaks, while Park House fell 40–12 away at Crowborough. The table remains tight at the bottom:
• Charlton Park: 17 points (3 wins, 1 draw, 10 losses)
• Park House: 13 points (2 wins, 12 losses)
Park House have edged ahead on bonus points — 5 to Park’s 3 — and that could prove crucial come April. With both clubs fighting to climb out of danger, this fixture has all the makings of a proper old‑school scrap.
---
Our Opponents: Park House FC
Founded in 1883, Park House are one of Kent’s oldest and proudest clubs. Their history is full of remarkable chapters:
• A famous win over the touring French national side in 1893
• Three consecutive Kent Cups in the 1890s
• A permanent home at Barnet Wood Road since the 1930s
• A clubhouse rebuilt after a devastating fire in the 60s
• A thriving youth section that has shaped generations of players
They’re a club built on resilience, community spirit and tradition — and they’re always up for a contest, especially against us.
---
Tucker’s Take
“We’ve actually got selection issues this week — in a good way. An influx of players over the last month means we’ve got a bigger pool to choose from, which is an unfamiliar position and causing a few headaches. Training has been first class with excellent numbers. The French lads are looking sharp, integrating well and pushing hard for first‑team spots.”
---
Team News
TBC, but expect debutants. A few players remain out through injury or unavailability, which is frustrating as we still haven’t been able to field a settled side. But the competition for places is real, and the energy in training has been outstanding.
---
Final Word
With no 2nd XV game this weekend, it’s the perfect chance for club members, families and friends to head down to Barnet Wood Road and get behind the lads. The pitch will be heavy, the rivalry fierce, and the points absolutely vital.
Charlton Park are ready.
Let’s bring the noise.
Come on Park.