Birkenhead Park RFC

Sat 30 Oct 2021

Wilmslow

15 - 30

(HT 0-0)

Birkenhead Park

Wilmslow

Birkenhead Park

Birkenhead Park continued their good form with a comfortable victory at Pownall Park over Wilmslow as they moved up to third place in North 1 West.

It was an even start but both sides made mistakes and it was not until the 18th minute that Dave Hall opened the scoring with a penalty. Hall struck again fifteen minutes later but despite creating a number of chances Wilmslow kept their line intact. Just before half time Connor Murdoch closed the gap to three points with a penalty for the home team.

Park had a great start to the second half when scrum half Sam Chidley won the chase from the kick off and from the resultant pressure hooker Nic Witte broke clear for the opening try with Hall converted. Hall added another penalty before Wilmslow hit back with a try from scrum half Shaun Stoker. Park turned up the pressure as they took control with a second Witte try from close range again converted by Hall. Park moved further ahead when they were awarded a penalty try after a series of pick and go moves, Wilmslow losing a second man to the sin bin in the process. The game was now in the bag for Park but Wilmslow had the last say when they stole a Park line out and broke clear for a long range try by Elliot Meridith converted by Murdoch.

The game marked the 1,000th successful goal kick for Park’s ace marksman Dave Hall who is the all time leading point score in the 150 year history of the club. Sam Chidley was yet again outstanding for Park and Sam Tyrer had a strong game on the wing. Park were delighted with the return of long term injury absentee Rob Doolan who slotted perfectly into the back row with an excellent performance.

There is a break in league action this week but Park travel to Anselmians in the Cheshire Cup Quarter Final. Anselmians remain unbeaten in the league below Park and already look to be promotion certainties. Park will be making their first visit to the new facilities at Eastham and will need to be at their best to have a chance of ruining the Saints perfect start to the season. Kick off is 2.15pm at Malone Field.