Birkenhead Park’s topsy-turvy win

Apr 6 2011 by Our Correspondent, Birkenhead News

BIRKENHEAD took charge in the last quarter for a victory in a see-saw National Three North League clash at relegation certainties Rochdale.

The home side played their part in an entertaining affair which produced 14 tries in all, nine of them to the winners.

Rochdale led 12-0 at the end of the first quarter with touch downs from Aaron Coburn and Wynand Manzil plus a Coburn conversion.

Ryan Stead, who was excellent in the Park second row, went in on 27 minutes with Dave Hall converting before a Coburn penalty.

Back came Park for a Tony Handley try with Hall adding the extras but in added first-half time a flurry of action saw Corburn score an unconverted try for Rochdale and Colin Campbell crossed for the visitors.

Hall converted his own try to put Park ahead for the first time on 50 minutes but Rochdale edged in front again through a John Mair try to which Coburn added the extras. Another Hall try made it 31-27 to Park but then it was Mair in again for a 32-31 home lead. Sub Gavin Scott, O’Keefe, Shepherd and Hughes all registered touchdowns and Hall two more kicks as Rochdale wilted.

Meanwhile, a late drop goal by fly-half Jimmy Annets ensured a 31-31 draw for Wirral at Vale of Lune.

ANDREW STRATTON