NORTH DIVISION 1 - 3rd November 2007

PENRITH 17

BIRKENHEAD PARK 37

This was a very satisfying away victory for Birkenhead Park as an effective all round performance proved too much for the Cumbrian outfit. Park were ahead after ten minutes when Tony Handley scored the first try after good combined work by the forwards and backs. Five minutes later the pack drove over for hooker Chris Jones to score the second try.

John Moores University skipper Steve Lowry was in great form for Park at scrum half and he raced over for the next try after breaking through a tackle from a five metre scrum. Lowry continued to probe the Penrith defence who suffered a further blow when prop Simpson was sent off for foul play. The Park forwards looked to exploit their one man advantage and the referee had no hesitation in awarding a penalty try when Penrith illegally stopped a driving maul. Tony Handley converted but Steve Wood responded with a penalty as Park went into the break 22-3 in the ascendancy although they lost Chris Jones to the sin bin just before the interval.

To their credit Penrith continued to put up spirited resistance despite being a man short. They scored a long range try after excellent support play by number 8 Mike Raine to put them back in striking distance. Park gradually took control and winger Greg Hughes scored after an overlap was created and Handley added a penalty following further pressure. Centres Gareth Davies and Gary Lunt both made inroads in the midfield but just as Park threatened to cut loose Penrith stand off Steve Wood intercepted in his own 22 for a breakaway try which he converted. The Park forwards put paid to any lingering home hopes as Chris Jones claimed his second try from another maul with Handley converting.

Lowry had an excellent game at scrum half and the Park line out dominated with flanker Jon Sewell in the thick of the action throughout.

The Park Wanderers had an excellent 24-12 victory at Caldy in the Bateman BMW Premiership derby scoring four tries to none in the process. Robin Saverimutto, Stuart Crampton and Peter Hart scored with a penalty try also awarded.

This Saturday Park look for a seventh successive North 1 victory at home against Cleckheaton , kick off is 3pm at the Upper Park. Next Tuesday Park are at home to New Brighton in the Cheshire Cup Semi Final, kick off 8pm.