Sat 18 Sep 2021
Birkenhead Park suffered their first reverse of the season as they went down to visitors Manchester at the Upper Park.
Park made changes with the Lynch brothers having returned to University but they were able to give debuts in the backs to newcomers Elliot Butler from Sandal and Garin Roberts from Denbigh off the bench. Alan Hughes joined the second row in place of the injured Paul Hellier.
After a lively opening Manchester took the lead after 12 minutes when good handling put centre Harry Lewis into space for the first try. Park competed well with new stand off Butler to the fore but poor midfield defence saw Manchester increase their lead with try from winger Josh Jones. Park then had their best spell and prop Nic Witte broke clear following a line out catch and drive with Dave Hall converting from wide out. Just before half time Park created two golden opportunities at the end of the first half but failed to finish either which left the visitors three point to the good at half time.
The match continued to be a close fought affair in the second half but Park had to defend strongly to keep the Manchester attacks at bay. Manchester enjoyed the majority of pressure and mid way through the half they eventually went further ahead through scrum half Rick Cross after good work by the Manchester pack. Manchester continued in the ascendancy and duly secured the bonus point try through Josh Jones.
Park Director of Rugby Martin O’Keefe said “ It was a disappointing second half performance and Manchester deserved the win. We failed to take our chance to go into the lead just before half time and Manchester monopolised possession after the break. I was encouraged by our new players Elliot Butler and Garin Roberts who showed promise under difficult circumstances.”
This Saturday Park travel to league newcomers Glossop for the first ever senior fixture between the Club’s.
Peter Greville
Press Officer Birkenhead Park
07957 828729
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