Park narrowly miss out in Cup Final at Twickenham

Apr 16 2008 by Our Correspondent, Birkenhead News

CHESTER captain Simon Verbickas dedicated his side’s EDF Energy Intermediate Cup 18-21 triumph over Birkenhead Park to critically injured team-mate Aled Evans.

The 29-year-old was airlifted to hospital in Bangor last Wednesday after falling from the roof of a farm building in North Wales.

Evans, who was due to line up at Twickenham with his team-mates last Saturday, has now been transferred to the Walton Centre for neurology and neurosurgery at Liverpool.

Verbickas said: “This victory is for Aled and we’ll be taking the trophy to him as soon as we can.

“He’s been part of the squad all season and we’re a tight-knit group who work really hard together.”

Verbickas lifted the cup after replacement wing Simon Love snatched victory in the last five minutes against the run of play.

The victory capped a magnificent season for the Hare Lane side, who the previous Saturday had clinched the North Two West title.

It was a tense final with the result in the balance throughout before replacement Simon Love delivered the knockout blow for Chester, when it appeared Park would put their name on the trophy.

What Chester lacked in forward strength, they made up for with some lively back play.

Birkenhead possibly should have done better with the possession they commanded but their opponents never flinched in defence.

Tony Handley landed an early drop goal for Park and doubled the advantage with a penalty, but Chester replied with a try by centre Liam Lawton after an excellent backs move. Lock David Blythe produced a superb solo run from halfway to touch down for Birkenhead.

Handley’s conversion made it 13-5 before Tom Foden cut the advantage with a penalty just ahead of the break.

Two penalties by Foden edged Chester in front for the first time in the third quarter but forward pressure brought a second touch-down by Blythe for Park on 64 minutes.

But disaster struck for the Upper Park outfit in the 75th minute, as they tried to capitalise on an overlap situation with Chester seemingly on the ropes.

Love intercepted in his own half and raced between the posts to leave Foden an easy goal. There was then no way back for the North One side.

Park spokesman Peter Greville said: “It was a fantastic occasion with tremendous support for both sides. It was a cruel way for us to lose in the end but all credit to Chester for taking their chance.”

Elsewhere, Caldy were always in control during their 43-23 win over Morley to lift them to fifth place in National Three North League.

Ben Lyon got the first with Gavin Roberts adding the extras. Gavin Woods produced a fine individual effort for the second with Roberts again on target and he added a penalty before the break.

Morley kept in touch with two penalties and a converted try but Craig Ross then crossed, followed by John Broxton before Lyon scampered in again.

Morley were able to muster two more tries but these are dark days for them and North One now looks a distant probability for them next season.

New Brighton enjoyed a comfortable 12-52 victory at relegation threatened Winnington Park.

Park never threw in the towel but a 7-2 try count emphasised the Blues’ authority.

Sean Ellis, Kati Tuipulotu, replacement Mike Gallimore – in his come-back appearance after a leg-break – Phil Buckley, Alistair Child, Wayne Clayton and Joe Bowmer in a length of the pitch run gained the tries for Brighton.

Stephen Dean was successful with all the conversions and also hit a penalty for good measure.

Park scored a converted try in each half but they proved little match for their Wirral opposition in what was a comprehensive victory for the Hartsfield outfit.

Wirral, after trailing 12-0 at the half way stage, used the wind to good advantage to win 24-12 against Bowdon in the South Lancashire/Cheshire One.

Craig Harvey and Sam Broadbent touched down. There was also a penalty try plus all three conversions and penalty by Dan Harvey. The losers managed two tries and one goal.

Leaders Wilmslow were given a fright by Hoylake during their 20-17 win in the South Lancashire/Cheshire One.

The Melrose Avenue side stormed back from a 17-0 third quarter deficit before a penalty sealed their fate.

Mike Young (2) and Matt O’Neill crossed for Hoylake and Stephen Young added one goal. Wilmslow scored two converted tries and two penalties.