Queens take the crown as Park surrender their half time lead

Leading 19-17 at the break and with the elements set to be in their favour on the turnaround, Park should have been able to secure a third Midlands 3 East (South) victory against a resilient hosts.

But the home team’s control of the set pieces meant that Park did not secure enough ball to enable them to play enough of the second half on the attack.

Instead they were playing on the back foot in defence and although Park extended their lead to 22-17 they eventually succumbed to the home team’s pressure and conceded a converted try to lose the match.

Stockwood’s forwards were strengthened by the return of Michael Powell and Tom Edmonds and the backs by the experienced Steve Pollock. But the team appeared to have their minds elsewhere from the kick off as Bedford Queens soon raced into a 10-0 lead.

However, with skipper Jamie Hoque prominent, Park now played their best rugby of the game and after a period of pressure, Steve Pollock went over for a good try which he then converted.

Park relaxed and Queens bounced straight back with a converted try before Park responded again with a well worked try scored by skipper Jamie Hoque and converted by Pollock. Further chances fell to Park with an excellent run from Michael Powell whose scoring pass was knocked on before Park concluded the first half with a try from Hooker, Trevor Fowler.

Although Park are capable of excellent periods of sustained rugby when they secure the ball, the second half was a disappointment.

Stockwood Park are at home to Rugby St Andrews this Saturday.