Birkenhead Park RFC

Sat 10 Jan 2026

Birkenhead Park

24 - 10

(HT 0-0)

Sandbach

Birkenhead Park

Sandbach

The scene was set. A gorgeous, fresh winter day and a healthy home support awaited. Without a doubt, the arrival of table toppers Sandbach wasn’t without nervous twitches among the faithful. Every so often, a home game comes up which is a challenge to the senses whether it was a clash with Sale or London Scottish or Gloucester back in the day or a league promotion play off in recent seasons.
In its 155-year history, the Upper Park has seen plenty of days like this and the game against Sandbach was one of them, given Park’s current predicament at the wrong end of Regional 2 North West.
Credit must go to Andrew Bird’s team, Sandbach. Despite an incident on the motorway coming up, they managed to hit the pitch running just after 2.15, the Wanderers also lining up against them on the bottom pitch. This might (or might not) have affected Sandbach’s pre-match preparation. One thing is for sure is that the Park players were out practising their moves with gusto right up until the referee blew his whistle.
It wasn’t long before we found out the lie of the land. Park started well with an “old school” strategy to keep passing true, communication clear and resisting any opposition pressure with assertive tackling at the breakdown. Well, it works for South Africa!
The opening minutes were however fettered with penalties against both sides around the middle of the park and it was difficult to identify a clear pattern until Park began to impose their tactical intent. Liam Isaacs’ kicking was accurate reaching touch when the forwards demanded it. Eventually a smooth ‘pack to backs’ move found Laurence Bowen who went over for
Park’s first try and converted by Isaacs for a welcome 7-0 foundation after 13 minutes. Park did not let the inevitable riposte from a well drilled Sandbach get to them and continued their ferocious tackling and preventing much activity out wide. The penalty count appeared high given the conditions and Sandbach eventually got on the scoreboard taking us to 7-3.
Defence was turned into attack from a side under pressure yet gaining in confidence. Aside from the occasional spillage in the high wind, Park were sure of their attack options. Such good old stiff upper lip was rewarded with a try by the ever industrious, Peter Doolan whose carries, stalwart front row work within a dominant pack was noted by the welcome vocal support and a 14-3 scoreline at half time. Park, now facing towards the pavilion, significantly stayed on the pitch for the half time team talk. This appeared a deliberate move by Neil Shaw and Martin O’Keefe in a bid to keep the players focused on the task in hand. This season, leads have slipped in matches which should have been done and dusted, Yet the response
since the Firwood Waterloo reverse has been far more resolute.

It wasn’t long before Park’s plan came to further fruition ten minutes into the half with a try from centre Danny Rich who was deputising for the injured club skipper, Adam Wellington. Once again forward pressure prevailed and was finished strongly by the effervescent backs always looking for available work. Liam Isaacs converted. 21-3 To this point, Park had maintained control of the game, yet it was only a matter of time before Sandbach responded with pressure of their own, not unexpected given the successful season they have had so far. Yet, it might sound a cliché by now but Park once again defended well and it was the red, white and blues who extended the score to 24-3 with a penalty by Liam Isaacs who was in his element. He missed his next kick a couple of minutes later, the wind playing tricks with the ball, but it seemed that Park had already secured the win.
Park pressed for a valued bonus point fourth try and came close to succeeding, yet the next score was from Sandbach who eventually went over for their only try of the game with a few minutes to go. Further incursions towards the home supporters were resisted and Park settled for the two try margin. This excellent victory eased Birkenhead Park’s relegation anxiety. Yet, more importantly, it once again demonstrated the talent within the squad showing their mettle. On the other pitch Sandbach’s similarly placed 2 nd team only narrowly defeated Wanderers by 31-38 after a game where the lead continued to change hands. It is good to see keen competition for places hotting up at the right time of the season.

It seems odd that only three homes games are left but “it is what it is” as they say. Park play bottom club but ever improving, Altrincham Kersal next week followed by a break in league fixtures followed by the arrival of Burnage. Congratulations to Dan Morgan for his 50th first team game for Park.

Your support was greatly appreciated by the lads and it would be good if we can all play for the shirt.

There's a great video on our instagram page plus a small gallery of pictures of the day that can be found HERE