Park face tricky opener to season

Sep 6 2006 Wirral News

BIRKENHEAD Park face a tricky opener at newly promoted Penrith when the new North One season gets underway this Saturday.

Pre-season preparations have gone well under the guidance of new player coach Jon Sewell, who has moved from New Brighton.

Sewell captained Cheshire to the County Shield last season at Twickenham and has also played for the England Counties side.

He will also link up in the Park back row with Dave Ibbotson, who continues with the captaincy of the side.

Park had two successful warm -up games, defeating Lymm 36-12 and Stafford 52-0.

But the trip to Penrith will offer a much sterner test for Birkenhead's new-look side.

The squad has been bolstered by the arrival of several newcomers and the return of a number of players.

Two former Colts, with excellent pedigree, have now returned from university.

Giant second row Greg Walsh, who played for London Welsh, and stand off Ben McPhearson, who has experience with Rotherham.

Cheshire under-20s full back Andy Clarke has already made a good impression after switching from Anselmians while other newcomers are centre Chris Lowe, from New Brighton, and Alejo Diaz, a Columbian international stand off who is on a four month attachment to the club.

Hooker Joe Fisher has returned from Prenton and utility back Martin Sutton from Oldershaw.

In addition, backs Marc Harris and Jon Brennand are now in contention after missing the whole of last season.

Former coach Shaun Gallagher has announced his return as a full time player and has shown in the pre-season that he is still a force to be reckoned with.

* The Park Wanderers commence their North West Division One season with a home game against Widnes at the Upper Park this Saturday (3pm).