Birkenhead Park RFC

Sat 11 Nov 2023

Firwood Waterloo

13 - 46

(HT 3-10)

Birkenhead Park

Firwood Waterloo

Birkenhead Park

It was a bright autumnal day at the memorial ground Blundellsands with the past players lunch in full swing and a packed clubhouse for this local derby. The pitch was in excellent condition and everything was set for a thrilling encounter. Loo kicked off in the sunshine and the game was on. Both side were looking to play rugby and despite the weather conditions there were still mistakes being made and neither side was able to gain control The match was well balanced with both teams looking to move the ball as often as possible. When both sides got lineouts within the 5m line neither was able to capitalise and turned the ball over. As the half wore on Park were starting to gain more control and were having numerous phases of play. They were spending time in the Loo half with good runs from Rich in the centre well supported by Fox and they were able to break the gain line. After one incursion the ball went from one side to the other and in a tight space the ball found Du Randt right on the touchline and forced his way over in the corner, Hall converting, 0-7. Loo came straight back at Park and looked to move the ball at every opportunity unfortunately when given a penalty opportunity it was dragged wide. Loo were still in the Park half but were unable to break the defensive line. When Park moved out good carries in the midfield by Doolan’s, Bennet and Fox, Park were able to get into the Loo half and continue their attack. However the Loo backs were always dangerous and was shown when a 60m break by the Loo winger put them in the Park 22. When the ball was recycled the Loo winger had a 2 on 1 to score in the corner but kept hold and the Park defence swallowed up the attack and were able to clear their lines. This gave Loo confidence and the attacks were steaming in but they were unable to breach the Park defence and Park confidently dealt with everything thrown at them. Good carries through the midfield by R.Doolan took Park back on the attack and were unfortunate when Du Randt ran into Wellington. Park carried on in possession and with the scrum dominant forced a penalty on the 10m line, Hall converted 0-10. From the restart Park’s routines were working well and Baldwin was in control sat in the pocket directing play. Park seemed in control always having an outlet with the forwards running hard and the front 5 ready and willing to carry. Despite this possession Park were unable to add to their score and Loo were not done so when they attacked and Park were caught offside the No10 made no mistake this time converting the opportunity, 3-10. The half drew to a close and a close match was as expected.

The second half couldn’t have started better for Park when the ball from the kick off was returned to Park a tap back found winger Laing who attacked the wing. He then chipped the oncoming defender caught his own kick after a good bounce and scored a great try, Hall converting 3-17. Park were on the up now and were continuing to press and despite not getting the reward in the scrum forced the penalty when Loo tried to break out, Hall converting 3-20. Loo managed to regain the restart and after a couple of runs forced a penalty 25m out which they opted to kick, 6-20. From the restart a great take by the chasing Wellington gathered the ball and set up the attack. When the ball was recycled Baldwin found Fox who danced, span and pirouetted through the defence but was brought down 3m short. He however popped it up to the supporting Chidley to score next to the posts, Hall converting 6-27. Loo attacked from the restart but Park were equal to everything and from their own line the ball found Du Randt who put in a 70m kick to put Loo on the defensive. Park were becoming more and more dominant and were putting pressure on loo in all phases of the game. With the defensive line led by skipper Mooney was in their faces at every opportunity and it was only a matter of time before the ball was turned over. Loo were trying to open up the game and throwing the ball about but were able to beat the defence. From a breakdown on the half way line a great piece of jackling by centre Rich led to the ball popping out. It was snapped up by Du Randt who ran 45m unopposed to score in the corner, 6-32. A couple of penalties given away by park allowed Loo into the park half and Loo had a lineout 10m out. Followed by a number of pick and go’s Loo moved into the midfield getting another penalty in front of the posts. Time and again they attacked the line and eventually forced their way over, converted 13-32. Loo’s confidence picked up and they tried everything they could to add to the score but Park were able to contain any attack. From a scrum on Park’s 22 Fox put in a 60m kick to put Loo on the defensive and despite trying to run it back they were eventually turned over. Baldwin put in a deft kick to the corner which was collected by Du Randt. He stepped the defender but was caught 10m out when the call from inside by the supporting Ashcroft who collected the ball and trotted under the posts, Hall converting 13-39. Park were now applying intense pressure and from this Loo dropped the ball time and again. Park regathered and moved back into the Loo half. Fox thinking he was now fly half put in another deft grubber into the corner to tighten the screw. With White bumping defenders at will ably assisted by Grant and Bennett Park camped in the Loo 22. From a Loo lineout 10m out the ball was overthrown and found Fox who didn’t need a second invite to power his way to the line, Hall converting 13-46.

A comprehensive victory from Park in this local derby but if Loo had taken their opportunities early doors it could have been different. There is still a long way to go in the league but park have set their stall out, but need to work hard to keep the momentum going as there are still tough games to play starting next weekend.

Pictures can be found here