Grand finale secures dramatic draw for Park

Feb 1 2012 by Our Correspondent, Birkenhead News

THE Upper Park faithful were treated to another grand finale following on from last week's breathtaking victory over Chester. This time Park had to settle for a draw as a try levelled matters with visitors Altrincham Kersal in the final play of the match.

The Park saviour was number 8 Dave Ibbotson who claimed the touch down after Park laid siege to the Kersal line deep in injury time. Dave Hall lined up the tricky conversion attempt that would have won the game but it clipped the outside of the upright and the final whistle sounded with the scores tied at 19-19.

Park had looked to be in great form in a lively opening which established a fourteen point lead but Altrincham fought back strongly and were deservedly ahead 19-14 before the dramatic ending. Park team Manager George Pollock said " Altrincham had a couple of chances to finish us off but paid the penalty for not taking them. We were still in striking distance and Dave Ibbotson's try gave us a point, in truth it would have been tough on the visitors if Dave Hall's conversion had succeeded."

Ibbotson was leading the side in the continued absence of Chris Jones and he gave a typical whole hearted display. Park will be looking for more of the same this Saturday when Ibbotson is scheduled to make his 200th appearance at Beverley. Ibbotson has been a tremendous servant to the club since joining as an eleven year old and has been a permanent fixture in the side ever since graduating from the youth section.