Birkenhead Park RFC

Photo caption "Park's Garin Roberts launches skipper Ollie Mabbott against Glossop"

Birkenhead Park never surrendered their early lead but they had to battle hard to take the spoils against a lively Glossop side who were making their first visit to the Upper Park.

Dave Hall kicked an early penalty for Park before good work by Garin Roberts paved the way for a try from prop Alan Hughes which Hall converted. Park then lost Matt Ibbotson to the sin bin as Glossop put the pressure on. Park defended well but eventually centre Greg Moran broke through for the visitors. Hall struck again for Park just before half time with another penalty for an eight point lead at the break.

A good spell of home pressure was rewarded when Garin Roberts kicked wide for winger Matthew Waddington to gather on the full for a well taken try again converted by Hall. Park despite their comfortable lead were never able to feel secure and when Glossop hooker Adam Mallinson scored for Glossop the stage was set for a nail biting final quarter. Glossop gained further momentum when stand off Max Horsfall finished off another Glossop attack which he converted to put the visitors a single point behind with ten minutes to go. Park defended frantically but to good effect and eventually they broke out and Hall kicked a penalty deep in injury time to finally secure the victory.

Stand Off Garin Roberts again showed some great touches for Park and Sean Mooney was prominent in the pack. Director of Rugby Martin O’Keefe said “once again we made hard work of things having built a comfortable lead but overall it was a good contest between two well matched sides.”

This Saturday Park are due to make the long trip North for the return match with Carlisle.