Birkenhead Park 37 Burnage 29

Apr 4 2012 by Our Correspondent, Birkenhead News

Birkenhead Park37

Burnage29

BIRKENHEAD Park produced a much improved display to defeat a lively Burnage outfit in National 3 North on Saturday at the Upper Park.

There was some entertaining rugby on display from both sides with each team securing a four try bonus point. Dave Hall’s place kicking proved to be crucial in the end as he claimed three penalties and all four conversions on offer for a personal haul of 17 points.

Park dominated the early play and Dave Hall built a nine point lead with his three penalties. Burnage then raised their game and despite a fine home try by Jack Ashcroft the visitors were 17-16 up at the break.

Another well worked Park try by Greg Hughes put Park ahead only for Burnage to claim the lead back a few minutes later.

It was a double strike by the impressive Park flanker Adam Cupples that finally swung the game back to Birkenhead who finished the stronger side despite a last minute consolation try by Wellock for the visitors.

Director of rugby John McNally said: “It was a much better performance and the team were well motivated for this match.

“There may be little to play for in terms of league position but the lads showed pride and commitment and we deserved to win.”

The Ibbotson brothers impressed in the home pack along with Cupples and Ashcroft and scrum half Sam Chidley provided a good service for the lively Park backs with Danny Rich and Greg Hughes a constant threat.

Park have no league game over Easter but the Wanderers have an extremely tough assignment at Macclesfield in the Raging Bull Cup semi final on Saturday.