Park prop out with double fracture

Feb 6 2008 by Our Correspondent, Birkenhead News

A SICKENING injury to Birkenhead prop forward Steve Clarke marred LSH’s 25-17 victory in this North One cross-river derby at Upper Park.

Clarke sustained a double fracture to the right leg during the second quarter and there was a 35-minute delay while he received attention on the pitch.

Birkenhead now have a major problem at tight head for a vital Intermediate Cup clash at Staines in two weeks, with their other recognised man Matt Ibbotson unable to play. Influential Tony Handley also departed with a leg problem.

David Blythe gained the first Birkenhead try on 13 minutes from a forward drive with Dave Hall converting.

Simon Worsley landed a penalty for the visitors but Park struck again on 26 minutes with Jon Brennand crossing after good play involving Matt Thompson and Tony Handley.

LSH gradually began to get on top in the third quarter with forwards and backs working effectively and Simon Worsley, who was always prominent at stand-off swept through to score.

Worsley then kicked a penalty and in the last few minutes, Martin McGeough and Chris McRobert breached the home defence with Worsley adding to the score with one more conversion.

It was a remarkable turnaround and as LSH celebrated, Park trudged away to reflect on what might and should have been.

Despite missing some key players, Wallasey should have gained a draw in their South Lancashire/ Cheshire Two clash with Dukinfield.

Sadly, they failed to capitalise on a lion’s share of possession and enjoyed no luck late on to be beaten 8-15 by the visitors. Fly-half Chris Callan proved the Dukinfield match-winner with a trio of penalties and two drop goals, while Keith Mahon scored the only try for Wallasey and Martin Sutton struck a penalty.

Burnage completed a double over Wirral in South Lancashire/Cheshire One courtesy of a 18-10 home win last Saturday.

Alistair Baker gained a try for Wirral, with Craig Harvey hitting the conversion and a penalty.

Hoylake’s second team enjoyed a convincing 55-7 win over Port Sunlight.