ROSSLYN PARK 45–10 DINGS CRUSADERS
06/09/25
Park Launches National One Campaign in Style with Emphatic Win over Dings Crusaders
The 2025/26 National One season kicked off in spectacular fashion at The Rock, as Park’s 1st XV delivered a commanding performance to secure a 35-point victory over a well-drilled Dings Crusaders side. After a cagey opening quarter, Park found their rhythm, showcasing clinical finishing, defensive resilience, and set-piece dominance throughout the afternoon.
Park wasted no time asserting themselves, with slick handling down the line, setting up Benji Marfo to cross in the corner. Dings responded swiftly, applying pressure and earning a yellow card against Park skipper Arthur Ellis for collapsing a maul. They capitalised on the numerical advantage, levelling the scores within 12 minutes.
Park regrouped quickly. A turnover at the breakdown led to a penalty, and from the resulting kick to the corner, a well-executed lineout move saw Tom Bell crash over. With Bill Johnston adding the extras, Park regained the lead just as Ellis was about to return to the field. The hosts continued to apply pressure, and nearing the half-hour mark, a clever grubber kick forced a clearance from Dings. From the ensuing lineout, the ball was worked infield and Ewen Fenley sliced through a gap to score. Johnston’s reliable boot extended the lead to 19–5.
Dings responded with a sustained spell of possession, pinning Park deep in their own half. But the hosts held firm. A brief stoppage followed as the medical team attended to Sam Kennaugh, and upon resumption, Dings managed to breach the defence and narrow the gap through some slick hands of their own.
Nonetheless, Park had the final say before the break. A sweeping phase play from the kick-off culminated in a brilliant try finished off by Charlie Walker. Moments later, Park’s dominance at the breakdown earned another penalty. A kick to touch and a textbook maul saw Max Fraine power over, giving Park a commanding half-time lead.
The second half saw Dings battle bravely, but Park’s composure and execution remained unmatched. Elegant interplay from the backs off an attacking scrum allowed Luke Mehson to dot down, with Johnston again converting.
Mehson nearly added another after a blistering run, only to be denied by a superb cover tackle. But Park wasn’t done. A lineout on Dings’ 5-metre line led to a powerful carry from Charlie Piper, and he was perfectly positioned to finish off the move and score Park’s penultimate try.
In the closing stages, Dings threatened a late score after a sharp interception by their winger. But Park’s defensive structure held firm, snuffing out the counter-attack and preserving their dominant lead. With a final scoreline that reflected their superiority across the park, Park opened their National One campaign with a statement win, setting the tone for what promises to be an exciting season ahead.
ROSSLYN PARK
Tries: Marfo (5’), Bell (20’), Fenley (27’), Walker (36’), Fraine (40’), Mehson (49’), Piper (64’)
Conversions: Johnston (20’, 27’, 36’, 40’, 49’)
Penalties: N/A
Yellow Cards: Ellis (10’)
Team: Mo Nwakor, Max Fraine, Matt Woodward, Jake Cleet, Tom Bell, Harry Ledger, Arthur Ellis (c), Jack Digby, Ewen Fenley, Bill Johnston, Benji Marfo, Sam Kennaugh, Tom Stanton, Luke Mehson, Charlie Walker
Replacements: Charlie Piper, Ali Wade, George Orchard, Charlie Mulchrone, Ed Morgan
DINGS CRUSADERS
Tries: Taufa (12’), Rivers (33’)
Conversions: N/A
Penalties: N/A
Yellow Cards: N/A
Team: Stanley, Young, Ncube, Thompson, Hales, Bowler, Tabual, Bilton, Jones, Worsley, Taufa, Tarling, Hamilton, Rivers, Foot
Replacements: Hawkesby, English, O’Donnell, Knight, Elswood
Up next: Rosslyn Park head to Tonbridge Juddians this Saturday 13th September at The Slade, 3pm KO!