Birkenhead Park RFC

Sat 28 Mar 2026, 15:00

Birkenhead Park

35 - 32

(HT 0-0)

Firwood Waterloo

Birkenhead Park

Firwood Waterloo

With much at stake, both teams contributed to a pulsating encounter at Upper Park, with Birkenhead Park eventually edging it 35–32 to avenge the 12–32 reverse in November.

The possibility of entering an end‑of‑season play-off was motivation enough — as if winning a derby over our local rivals wasn’t!

The outgoing coaching team of Billy Woof and Neil Shaw, together with Martin O’Keefe, who was facing his old employers, would have been justifiably proud of the outcome. Their tactical know-how was fundamental in breeding confidence within this talented squad from December onwards especially.

Park scored the first try after six minutes, with the ubiquitous Peter Doolan claiming his ninth of the season after sustained forward pressure. Firwood Waterloo responded six minutes later with a well-worked backs move that clearly signalled their intentions.

Park stuck to their game plan and played some controlled rugby, resulting in two further tries. The first was a deserved effort from Liam Isaacs, who cut through Loo’s dogged defence before converting his own try for 14–7.

On the half-hour mark, Nathan Lewis rose to his teammate’s challenge to match Doolan’s nine-try season haul, finishing an excellent break after efficient handling from his fellow backs. With one game to go, who will prevail as top try scorer at the annual Awards Dinner in May?

Park fans might have been forgiven for thinking this was heading towards one of those 60‑pointers that Sean Mooney Jnr presided over a couple of seasons ago. But Loo were having none of it. This improved side — who have also experienced their own epiphany in turning over top‑four opposition — replied with an unconverted try for 21–12.

Enterprising attacking play from our opponents, combined with a breach of discipline that saw Park concede three consecutive penalties, allowed Waterloo to move from a defensive to an attacking position, leading to a well‑deserved try after 34 minutes. The sides went in with Park 21–19 to the good, having lost some attacking momentum.

The trend continued after the break, with Waterloo making all the running. Discipline remained a factor for referee Andrew Groves, and it was Firwood Waterloo who took the lead for the first time, opting for a penalty soon after half-time.

Things were about to get worse for Park, with the referee continuing to penalise the forwards all the way up the pitch. This led to a vital bonus‑point try and the initiative firmly with the Greens.

It is a testament to this Birkenhead Park side, however, that they have been able to regroup in recent games and learn from earlier errors. Team spirit was again in abundance. Twenty‑two points without reply can often knock the confidence of teams — but not this one.

Near parity was restored at 28–29 with an excellent line break by the effervescent flanker Jack Lewtas, setting up a grandstand finish. Fly‑half Jack Weare atoned for earlier missed opportunities to extend Waterloo’s lead to four points, and once again the calculators were out. Would Park’s try bonus point be enough?

Put simply, Park needed a try to catch up — yet Waterloo were successfully shutting down the options out wide. The forwards took up the narrative with a powerful 20‑yard rolling maul to the delight of the home fans gathered at the clubhouse end. Dylan Gray led the charge and dived over for the deciding try with only a minute left on the clock.

Park have been undone in the last minute at least twice this season, so it was all the more satisfying to see the try line breached at the death. Loo will rue missed penalty kicks, while the performance highlighted the impact of Liam Isaacs, who kicked all five conversions and made several excellent tactical decisions under pressure.

The win lifts Park to 7th in the division, a position they will secure if they defeat Widnes, who sit one place above. Firwood Waterloo are also safe from the play‑offs thanks to their two bonus points and West Park’s defeat in the Isle of Man. Derbies between these two rivals can therefore continue in the 26/27 season — something we can all look forward to.

Although Messrs Shaw and Woof will officially sign off next week at Widnes, this was a fitting conclusion to their tenure. As John McNally remarked in his pre‑match address: “The coaches get the blame for a loss and the credit for a win. We thank them for their services and wish them all the very best.” We hope they will return to cheer the team on next season. Congratulations to prop, Alan Hughes who earned his 101^st cap with a Man of the Match Award to boot.

On a day of glittering prizes, lock Harry Perkins, celebrated his recall to the Malta international side for the forthcoming ties with Andorra and Israel in the Rugby Europe Conference.

Thank you also to Jan, Chris, and Sam Chidley — plus the twins — for sponsoring the day. Please do consider Recognition Express for your company or team merchandise needs.

Some photos of the day can be found in the gallery section HERE