Birkenhead Park RFC

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Welcome to BPFC1871 

Rugby, South Africa Tour, Awards Night, Juniors, Race for Life and Lawro

154th season concludes but the beat goes on

The season ended with a strong second team overcoming their Sandbach visitors with an excellent 49-26 victory ensuring the Wanderers overtook their opponents to finish fourth in the NOWIROL Baines Plumbing Division of the Halbro leagues above the second strings of Anselmians, Kendal, Vale of Lune and Waterloo notably.

Pictured above are Wallace Wainwright, David Power, Matt Doolan and Will Oates who reunited for the game having last played in the same team ten years ago at school!

The first team concluded their season three weeks ago and will be playing in Regional North West 2 next year along with old rivals, Winnington Park, Firwood Waterloo and newly promoted Widnes.

Panthers had secured their place in Women's Championship North 2 thanks to their 22-15 victory against Southport prior to the last day defeat to Manchester 12-31. A great team spirit is inherent in the side and new players are always welcome.

The Dave Hall testimonial the previous Saturday was a great tribute to the Park man who stands as a shining example of loyalty to the cause come rain and shine. Thank you, Dave and also to Dave's ex club Wallasey RFC for providing the opposition. Score? 100-99? Was Terry counting? Modesty disallows us from playing the raw soundtrack to the video on TikTok but lip readers or good listeners might be able to discern some (ahem) "rugbyesque" suggestions for Dave. Let's leave that there :-)

South Africa Tour 2027

If you are a rugby player considering your next move, you would be very interested to know that the senior squad will be visiting South Africa in 2027. A full schedule is available from our Club Chairman, Martin O'Keefe at bpfc1871@gmail.com

Priority will be given to Birkenhead Park registered players and active members who would like to support the coaching team on tour.

Aside of course to the rugby matches to be arranged with sides around the Cape Town region, you would be treated to the following delights:-

Come and celebrate Park's achievements at our Awards Night on Friday 16th May.

Minis and Juniors Triumph

Last weekend the U9 and U12 played a festival in Wilmslow. The U12 were drawn in a difficult group but came overall 3rd after beating Stockport, Macclesfield, Oldham, Bowdon & Altrincham Kersal and losing against a strong Trafford Schools side.

The U13 came 3rd in the Cheshire Bowl which was played at home this weekend and the U14 were also successful at the Caldy Festival, defeating Waterloo in the final.

The U10 played in a festival at New Brighton as part of their development.

Dawn Skeoch who is in charge of safeguarding for the minis and junior section said: "Great sportsmanship and values were on display at each of these festivals."

Congratulations to all our budding players whom we hope to see in a senior shirt in a few years time.

Thank you also to Dawn and our coaches for guiding our young teams.

Race for Life

Approximately 1 in 2 people will be diagnosed with Cancer during their lifetime This year BPFC are encouraging all members to get signed up & fundraise for a great cause. Join us post race in the club house for £5 Sandwich & Drink meal deal, with a raffle to donate all proceeds to the charity. Sign up below and get fundraising!

We have 100+ BPRC runners on our mailing list. Please feel free to pass this on to your fellow members.

Park's Ethos is Global

Pictured are Park veterans, Peter Greville and Gary Vickers visiting the Kati Kati New Zealand branch of the Park Supporters Club last week. In the light of the forthcoming tour to South Africa in 2027 (see article above), it is worth noting that Birkenhead Park has built up a fine reputation through its tours abroad and as hosts.

(Ed: Slightly off topic but I recall walking up the Thermopylae Pass and waving to the All Blacks bus on their way to play The North of England at the Upper Park. Ans yes they waved back! I was a steward that day. For many of us BPFC stalwarts and Colts, it was an incredible experience to see the best in the world play on our home pitch).

Legend Lawro

It's a great time to be a red with their 20th top flight title now secured. The legacy though stems further back though the decades to the days of Dalglish, Rush, Gerrard, Keegan and co.

Lawrenson has cemented his own place in the annals of Anfield lore. However he won't just be looking back on past glories. Lawro is just as well known to younger generations as a BBC pundit and will be giving his angle on what is going on in football now.

Former Park 10 and full back Neil Murray was on the blower to BPFC1871's ed only yesterday testifying to Lawro's great sense of humour when he socialised with him at the World Cup in Brazil 2014.

A great night is expected. Your editor having attended the Graeme Sharpe evening, I can also recommend the legends evenings. So blues, SWA's and football fans in general should give this one a whirl.

It all falls into place on Friday 6th June at 7pm. Interested table formers can pledge their troth to Martin at bpfc1871@gmail.com Please note that this is a 'cash on the night' event costing £30 pp or £275 for a table of 10.

Happy Hours

Our General Manager, Mark Parry is introducing Happy Hours 1-5 pm operational on Sundays to Thursdays. Here are those 'sneaky pint' prices.

Bud Light £3.40

Thwaites smooth £3.30

Guinness £4.30

Somersby £3.40

Camden £3.90

Estrella £4.00

Plus if you buy two large glasses of wine on selected brands and you get the rest of the bottle free. What's not to like?

And Finally

Who knew that another of the O'Keefe clan was a poet as well as an actor? Oh yes indeed and he has a book coming out, published by Woodbridge, USA soon. BPFC1871 will be previewing his work and let's persuade the Bard of Park to recite his work at a forthcoming dinner. Follow his Instagram page for the latest news.

Newsletter Contacts:-

BPFC 1871 Editor: Keith Thompson at manager@bpfc1871.co.uk for suggested editorial which I can also pass on to our social media manager, Carrie Chapman and webmaster, Neil Kitchen for inclusion on the respective pages.