Blues end disappointing year on high note against Westoe

Dec 20 2006 Wirral News

NEW BRIGHTON ended a disappointing year on a high note with only their second victory in North One.

It looked ominous when they fell behind to a fourth minute try, butthey later took full advantage with vital touchdowns either side of half-time when Westoe had aplayer in the sin bin.

The Blues quickly nullified Westoe's early forward domination. Chris Dale was forced off through injury, but Jim Yarranton proved an able centre deputy.

Damian Penisini made a successful comebackat prop and there was the usual massive contribution from skipper Kati Tuipulotu - although he ended the game as a spectator after being yellow carded.

Paul Bird forced his way over for the early Westoe try after aline-out. The Blues against the wind withstood plenty of pressure, but towards half-time managed to get a foothold in visiting territory.

They were rewarded with an excellent Alastair Child try goaled by Gareth Simpson to give them a7-5 interval lead.

Ian Murray produced a sparkling run in for a second touch-down three minutes into the second period.

Simpson added the extras from in front of the posts and two penalties in the final quarter to help New Brighton to a 20-5 win.

Hull exacted revenge for an earlier defeat by Birkenhead Park in a game marred by serious injuries to two Park players. Danny Jones, with a badly damaged ear, and Steve Dodd, with a facial knock, finished up getting treatment at Hull Infirmary.

The home side built up a 22-0 interval lead, but Park showed plenty of grit before conceding an unlucky try.

Their pressure was rewarded when substitute Neil Shaw touched down from a late forward drive after a line-out, but it was not enough to prevent the 27-6 loss.

Hoylake did well territorially in their South Lancashire/Cheshire One derby but Wirral won deservedly.

Alistair Baker (2), Stu Hughes, Craig Harvey and Ian White scoring tries, with Harvey landing conversions to give them the 36-18 victory. Caldy go into 2007 still at the top of the table despite losing 19-13 to Huddersfield - only their second defeat of the season.

They had a flying start with a Craig Ross try and the conversion and penalty by Simon Mason, but another penalty by Mason in the second half could not prevent the defeat.