Birkenhead Park RFC

Sat 20 Nov 2021

Birkenhead Park

16 - 31

(HT 9-5)

Stockport

Birkenhead Park

Stockport

BIRKENHEAD PARK 16 STOCKPORT 31

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Birkenhead Park welcomed unbeaten league leaders Stockport to the Upper Park on Saturday but a determined home effort was not enough to dent the visitor’s record.

Park started in positive fashion with stand off Garin Roberts in great form as he repeatedly probed the Stockport defence. Stu Brown answered the call at hooker coming out of retirement and he played his part in a solid Park front row alongside James Millward despite missing regular props Nic Witte and Matt Ibbotson. Park found the visitors defence hard to break down but they built a nine point lead through three

Dave Hall penalties. Stockport were generally penned in their half for the first 30 minutes but on their first incursion into the Park 22 they touched down through lock Matt Lawranwitsch after a driving maul very much against the run of play. Park immediately went on the attack again but despite furious pressure Stockport kept their line intact and Park wasted an overlap opportunity just before half time.

Park presented Stockport with a try from a charged down kick by winger Ewan Holt converted by Eaton as the visitors went into the lead. Scrum half Ali Green then crossed after a lively attack but Park fought back well as they responded with a try by centre Adam Wellington after a sustained attack with Hall converting to cut the Stockport lead to a single point going into the final quarter. It was a brave effort by Park but as the home defence tired Stockport took control with tries by Number 8 Si Green and prop Paul McGookin to seal Park’s fate.

Director of Rugby Martin O’Keefe said “ we played a good first half but paid the price for not taking our chances or turning pressure into points. The line out functioned well and Stu Brown did a great job on his return.”

Park will hope to return to winning ways on Saturday when they fly to the Isle of Man to take on bottom placed Douglas who nevertheless always provide a strong challenge at home.

Peter Greville
Press Officer
Birkenhead Park