Caldy stop Park’s escape

Mar 12 2008 by Our Correspondent, Birkenhead News

WEST Park’s hopes of taking a stride away from the National Three North relegation zone were dashed during their 18-23 defeat against Caldy last Saturday.

Park grabbed a late try to ensure there was only a six-point deficit at the interval.

On the resumption, they actually took the lead through a fine try from No. 8 Craig Smithson, converted by Andrew Soutar, who then added a penalty.

Gavin Roberts, who had already converted his side’s two first-half tries from lovely winger Craig Ross, landed three penalties and the visitors finished winners by five points.

Chester took another step towards the North Two West title with a 37-20 win at Cheshire rivals New Brighton.

Birkenhead Park put up a good display against Huddersfield before going down to a 16-7 defeat in the North One League.

Park were unlucky to concede a fifth-minute breakaway try by Chris Collins, converted by Colin Johnson, who extended the advantage with two penalties.

A third kick after 50 minutes took it to 16-0, but Birkenhead then produced some good work and were rewarded with a drive over try via Christian Jones, with Tony Handley converting.

Jon Sewell and David Blythe did well in the Park pack and there was a sound debut in the back-row for Dan Palmer.

Park play an EDF Energy Intermediate Cup semi-final at Bracknell on Saturday.

Hoylake maintained their improved form in South Lancashire/Cheshire One with a comfortable 19-39 win against Vagabonds in the Isle of Man.

Phil James, Dominic Kearney, Will Selby, Dan Baldock, Chris Whiteley and Tom Selby all gained tries and Steve Young three conversions and a penalty, while the Islanders managed three touch downs and two goals.

Relegation- threatened Anselmians lost 10-39 to in-form Wirral in the South Lancashire/Cheshire One.

Stand-off Craig Harvey held the key for Wirral with four tries, three conversions and a penalty. Ian White and Dan Harvey also crossed.