Birkenhead Park RFC

Sat 23 Oct 2021, 15:00

Birkenhead Park

27 - 20

(HT 12-8)

Firwood Waterloo

Birkenhead Park

Firwood Waterloo

Birkenhead Park took the honours in the local derby against old rivals Waterloo in a spirited contest at the Upper Park.

Waterloo took an early lead with a long range penalty by James Ratcliffe but Park gradually built pressure and eventually after a number of phases prop Martin Donnelly went over in the wide channel for the opening try. Waterloo responded with winger Connor Wolfenden scoring in the corner. There was still time for Park to recapture the lead just before half time when hooker Pete Doolan touched down after a powerful forward drive with Dave Hall converting.

Park started the second half in determined fashion and Donnelly was stopped just short of the line but suffered a horrific injury in the process which proved to be a double leg fracture. Park understandably lost momentum but Ratcliffe pulled a penalty attempt wide for the visitors and then Park suffered a further setback when flanker Sean Mooney was forced off with a leg injury. Waterloo looked to be gaining the upper hand and the dangerous Wolfenden raced clear and cut inside the defence for a great score as the lead changed ha ds again.

Park began to regain their composure and replacement prop Matt Ibbotson recaptured the lead scoring in the corner after good work by the home pack. Park now sensed victory and they seized the opportunity to move two scores clear with a Paul Hellier touch down converted by Hall to give Park a twelve point lead going into the closing stages. Waterloo did manage a final try through Jago Ford but it was a well deserved win in the end for Birkenhead.

Park DIrector of Rugby Martin O'Keefe said " this was our best display of the season so far and we were good value for the win. Obviously the victory was marred by the injury to Martin Donnelly who has been absolutely outstanding for us this season. We will miss him immensely and just hope he makes a full and speedy recovery".

Adam Wellington put in a good performance in the centre on his 100th appearance and half backs Sam Chidley and Garin Roberts are developing into a very effective combination.

This Saturday Park travel to Wilmslow looking to continue their good form.

Peter Greville
Press Officer
Birkenhead Park

Photo attached, Matt Ibbotson scores in the corner for Park