NORTH DIVISION 1 - 8th September 2007

KENDAL 16

BIRKENHEAD PARK 0

Birkenhead Park’s North 1 campaign got off to a disappointing start at Mint Bridge, Kendal as the visitors failed to make much of an impression on a resolute home defence.

Kendal were quickly out of the blocks and took the lead with an early penalty by Dan Stephens. The Kendal pack then drove over for a try by number 8 Rob Quarry for an 8-0 lead. Park were without Handley and Tchakoute who both had to withdraw through injury but Dave Hall did well at stand off as did Ashley Olliver who played in the back row.

Hall missed a penalty chance after 20 minutes for Park but the forwards exerted considerable pressure on the Kendal defence which held firm. Park were not helped by losing Greg Hughes and Jon Brennand to the sin bin but there was no further scoring before half time.

Soon after the restart Kendal scrum half James Gough hit a drop goal but Park continued to battle without really threatening the Kendal line. Steve Lowry injected some much needed urgency when he came on at scrum half but Park lacked the creativity needed to get themselves back in the contest. Kendal eventually secured victory with a second try by winger John Ladell with ten minutes remaining.

Skipper Dave Ibbotson was named the Park Man of the Match but Park will need to improve quickly with Huddersfield due at the Upper Park this Saturday, kick off 3pm.

On Sunday both Park’s Academy sides were in action with the senior Colts winning 20-12 at West Park. Jamie Rozario, Ged O’Conor and Tom Sulivan scored tries with Alan Hughes converting once and kicking a penalty. The Junior Colts just lost out 10-13 in an excellent game against Penrith at the Upper Park.

Park fought back in the second half to equalize 10-10 with a try by centre Ben Hughes and a conversion and drop goal by scrum half Danny Rich but Penrith kicked a late penalty to secure victory. This Sunday Park are launching a new under 16’s team against Shotton as part of their ongoing schools development work.