Birkenhead Park RFC

Sat 22 Jan 2022

Carlisle

20 - 34

(HT 20-20)

Birkenhead Park

Carlisle

Birkenhead Park

Park extended their winning start to 2022 with a fine away win in Carlisle.

Park made the long trip up the M6 with only two changes to last week’s squad, Pete Coles returned to the second row and Matt Waddington started on the wing. Carlisle started the game the brighter and their efforts were rewarded with a well worked unconverted try.  Park were under the cosh but did manage a Hall penalty in the first foray into the home sides half.  Carlisle had the bit between their teeth and controlled play before scoring their second try to lead 12-3.  This second try did produce a response from Park who now appeared to get the long journey out of their system. Dave Hall converted a penalty which was then followed up by a Matt Witchell try, again converted by Hall.

The game had now opened up and was providing great entertainment for the crowd, both teams were missing tackles in abundance, which was creating opportunities for both sides to add to their score. Carlisle scored next before Witchell scored his second, both teams also kicking a penalty, leaving the scores 20-20 at the break.

Park were much the better team in the second period and dominated the play against a tiring Carlisle. Carlisle had been reduced to 14 men with front-row injuries meaning most of the second half had uncontested scrums. Witchell completed his hatrick following an excellent flowing play of rugby and Full back Dave Hall brought up the bonus point score with a try both duly converted by the reliable Hall.

Full Time 20-34

Park spokesman Kev Jones commented afterwards “It was a great win in the end considering the long journey and our slow start conceding three first half try’s.  Our game management was much better in the second half and I think we deserved our bonus point win. Great stuff!

Park 1^st team welcome Altrincham Kersal to the Upper Park next week 2.15pm Kick off.

Peter Greville

Press Officer

Birkenhead Park