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Match Report: Charlton Park 34-18 Gillingham Anchorians
Park victorious in six-try triumph over old rivals
Charlton Park returned to winning ways with an emphatic 34–18 victory over old friends and rivals Gillingham Anchorians. The game began in calm, bright conditions but ended in a torrential downpour, fitting for a contest that swung between discipline and dominance. The result was a much-needed boost, lifting Park two places in the league table and setting their sights firmly on Beccehamians.
From the smiles on players and supporters alike, the win was more than just points on the board—it was a lift in morale. Even those outside the matchday squad were itching to prove themselves at training, a testament to the spirit in the camp.
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First Half: Fast start, discipline tested
Park came out firing, camping in the Anchorians half with strong scrummaging and effective lineouts despite lacking a recognised thrower. Harry Crabtree’s tactical kicking was outstanding, forcing Anchorians into deep territory and keeping Park on the front foot.
• 11 mins – A penalty kicked to touch set up a textbook catch-and-drive. Jake Conway finished at the back of the maul. 7–0
• 19 mins – Anchorians clawed back three points from a penalty. 7–3
• 22 mins – Another lineout drive, another score. This time George Crick claimed his sixth try of the season. 12–3
• 26 mins – Park’s indiscipline gifted Anchorians another penalty. 12–6
• 32 mins – James Clifford and Ratu Runiivi combined brilliantly before Conway burst through for his second try. 17–6
• 36 mins – Anchorians missed a penalty off the upright, safely gathered by James Yuille.
• 39 mins – Discipline faltered. Shae Tucker saw yellow for offside, and Reion Raybe followed for preventing a try. Anchorians were awarded a penalty try. HT: 17–13
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Second Half: Resilience and ruthless finishing
Starting with 13 men, Park’s defence held firm against Anchorians’ pressure. Once restored to full strength, they reasserted control.
• 56 mins – From a dominant scrum, Conway powered over for his hat trick, securing the bonus point. 24–13
• 66 mins – Anchorians struck back quickly from a penalty. 24–18
• 77 mins – Terry Read sparked a flowing move, recycled left to Raybe, before Runiivi dotted down in the corner. 29–18
• 79 mins – Raybe, denied moments earlier, finished off a sweeping move on the right for Park’s sixth try. 34–18
A late yellow card for Bill Sandison highlighted lingering discipline issues, but the scoreboard told the story of Park’s dominance.
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Post-Match Reflections
• Captain Felix Marot: “Great performance in tough conditions. We switched off at times, and discipline let us down, but our set piece was strong and our tries were hard-earned.”
• Coach Shae Tucker: “Our attack functioned, the kicking game was superb, and defensively we were dominant.”
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Player of the Match
Oswell Bury – Commanding at scrum-half, with superb communication and a pinpoint kicking game.
Honorable Mention
Jake Conway – Hat trick hero, relentless tackling, and a constant threat.
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Next Fixture
Old Elthamians (A) – Saturday 13 December, kick-off 2pm.