Park run out of steam against Darls

Apr 23 2008 by Our Correspondent, Birkenhead News

NEW BRIGHTON must be wondering how they came to lose their North Two West encounter 15-19 against Stockport.

Brighton’s forwards dominated, with Kati Tuipulotu setting a fine example but not enough was made of their possession.

Stockport were not afraid to run the ball from deep inside their own territory and it brought a rich dividend.

Forward pressure led to a Ryan Stead corner try for Brighton on 14 minutes, but the visitors levelled at the end of the first quarter when Adam Knight went in after a tap penalty move.

A well-taken John Clifford try, converted by Ronan O’Brian on 62 minutes, produced a good home response with Wayne Clayton going in for a fine individual try.

O’Brien added to the home misery with a well worked touch down on 70 minutes and added the extras.

Back came the Blues with good work by Alan Hesketh and Sean Ellis creating the chance for Paul Campbell to cross.

But the visitors hung on as Brighton suffered their eighth defeat.

Birkenhead Park ran out of steam in the second-half against a fired up Darlington, who won 21-8 to ensure their survival in North One.

The visitors were in with a chance at 14-8 midway through the second period but could not make enough use of the wind at their backs and conceded a crucial try from a forward melee in the 68th minute.

Colin Campbell did well in a new role in the second-row and skipper Dave Ibbotson made a sound return at number eight.

Full-back Evan Haigh proved a key man for Darlington with a try and three penalties in the opening period.

Mark McKeon scored the try of the game for Park on the half hour.

Dave Hall managed a second-half penalty but the visitors did not really look like coming out on top.

Caldy suffered their 11th defeat of the season in National Three North League but still finish fifth despite their 21-11 loss at Hull Ionians.

An early penalty for the home side was followed by two from Gareth Roberts for Caldy before a converted try gave the home side a 10-6 half-time advantage.

Ionians stretched away with their second try and another penalty but then Liam Devaney finally found a way through for the visitors.

Caldy were still in with a chance of snatching a draw until an injury-time kick sealed it for the Yorkshire side.

Prop Matt Holt made his final appearance for Caldy who were not helped by an early injury to Paul White, which disrupted their line-out play.

Hoylake were far superior during their 44-7 victory over Ruskin Park, who must get some return on Saturday to have a chance of staying in South Lancashire/Cheshire One.

Steve Young crossed twice and Jack Collister, Al Robinson, Rob Kurton and Mike Young once each. Steve Young landed three conversions and a penalty.

Wirral rounded off their South Lancashire/Cheshire One campaign with an excellent 13-19 victory at Wigan.

Colin Davies and Craig Harvey crossed. There was also a penalty try plus two goals by Harvey.

Wigan, who led 10-7 at half-time, gained two unconverted tries and a penalty.