Birkenhead Park beat Rossendale in thriller

Apr 28 2010 by Our Correspondent, Birkenhead News

BIRKENHEAD Park and Rossendale laid on a rousing encounter to end Park's home programme with just the return fixture at Rossendale remaining on May 8.

Park's 26-17 victory and bonus point see them move above local rivals Chester to claim fourth spot in the National 3 North table.

It was another well fought contest at the Upper Park and Rossendale made Park fight all the way.

Park chairman, Greg Casey, said: “We have had a very good April in terms of good crowds and sponsors supporting us. The games have all been entertaining and it was good to finish on a high note on Saturday.

“The re-arranged games have more than enabled us to replace the revenue we lost due to the bad weather in January.”

On Saturday Greg Hughes was a revelation at outside centre after switching from the wing and scored two of the four tries that earned the bonus point.

Hughes combined well with Freeman Payne who opened the scoring after two minutes with a fine solo effort.

Hughes is also the Park rugby development officer and has been working closely with the local schools since his appointment in December.

Park are now looking to launch a new under 12s team as a direct result of their schools’ coaching programme.

Park's Colombian international Alejo Londoro was delighted to make his senior debut against Rossendale.

He made a good impression in attack and defence when he joined the action as a second-half substitute. Londoro is now in his second spell with the club and has been a consistent performer for the Wanderers side this season before earning his senior call-up.

THERE were celebrations too for Park Tigers who at last were able to claim the Miller Homes Division 4 title.

Park were 57-5 victors against Waterloo in midweek with Alan Hughes's try and conversion taking the Tigers over the 1,000 point barrier for a second successive season.

CHESTER'S concede on Saturday confirmed the league title to add to the Division 5 Championship already won by the Park Lions in a highly successful season for the Park third and fourth teams. The Wanderers had previously confirmed their Bateman BMW Premiership status but their scheduled game against champions Macclesfield was a victim of a refereeing mix-up with no official arriving to take charge.