Birkenhead Park RFC

Sat 26 Sep 2026

Birkenhead Park

39 - 10

Douglas (I.O.M.)

Birkenhead Park

Douglas (I.O.M.)

Park 39 Douglas 10

Park began the new league campaign with a highly impressive performance against a strong Douglas side who came out of the blocks with impressive aplomb.

In fact, Douglas scored first, worryingly a push over try after sustained pressure from the men in yellow and red during the first five minutes. Subsequently overlaps began to be exploited by a young, tactically adept side who obviously came to play total rugby.

Jack Ashscroft’s calm captaincy was all too apparent after the restart though and Park applied pack pressure eventually rewarded by MOM, Matt Walls, who was ever-present throughout the entire 80 minutes. Liam Isaacs converted.

Having weathered the early doors, defence all over the field was order of the day. Whilst it was difficult to discern which side had the upper hand, Dylan Gray made an excellent in field break to give Park some breathing space at 14-5 after Isaacs had once again slotted over.

After further midfield Park pressure, Ashcroft pointed to the sticks 30 yards out for Isaacs to keep the scoreboard ticking over, resulting in a 17-5 lead.

Unlike at New Brighton a couple of weeks ago, where the team appeared a little too complacent with their lead, the intensity continued and Douglas were largely frustrated in their attempts to make headway towards the Park faithful who were enjoying the sun at the clubhouse end.

What was also noticeable and clearly something the coaches have worked upon, was the reduction in the penalty count. Referee, Will Coulter awarded roughly the same number of penalties to both sides. Keeping 15 on the pitch was clearly a priority for all concerned.

Most of us parked at the clubhouse end expected a revival of the Vikings early pressure. Yet it was once again Park whose firm tackling laid the foundation for further turnarounds, steals and penalties for. Once again, the ball was handed to Liam Isaacs when Isle of Man No.1 side had infringed.

Only a few minutes later Park were at it again with Adam Roscoe chalking up his first try of the league season before Will Coulter blew his half time whistle with Park 27-5 to the good.

For those of us who have witnessed some perilously close comebacks in our league title winning year in season 23/24, there still some concern that Douglas still had it in them to surprise us.

Fears were allayed with Park consolidating their defensive dominance in midfield with some tremendous tackles resulting in a try for Nathan Lewis. The half-time team talk was obviously around sustaining pressure.

A Park victory would not be complete without a try from Prop, Peter Doolan and he obliged after further forward pressure. Converted by Isaacs, Park thoroughly deserved the 39-5 scoreline.

The remaining 15 minutes became a little scrappy with the Mr. Coulter awarding both sides penalties which possibly resulted from a lack of concentration. Yet game management was the order of the day. Eventually, Douglas did add to their tally in the closing minutes to make it 39-10 after forward pressure reminiscent of their opening display, but Birkenhead Park now heads up the table with a 29-point difference.

The team travel to Firwood Waterloo for the derby game at Blundellsands this coming Saturday. Our hosts will be fired up after their convincing away 36-17 victory against league newcomers Wilmslow last time out. As always, your vocal support would be welcome. Next home game is against Kirby Lonsdale on the 17^th.