NORTH DIVISION 1 - 16th February 2008

WESTOE 32

BIRKENHEAD PARK 7

Birkenhead Park travel to Staines for the EDF Energy Intermediate Cup Quarter Final on Saturday. Park will look to put their poor league form behind them as they attempt to take a step nearer to a Twickenham final.

The odds are stacking against Park following a major injury crisis but Director of Rugby John McNally remains upbeat, “this is a huge game for us and I’m confident that we can turn Staines over on their own patch. We are hopeful that some of the injured players will be fit but if not we will still be going down there to give it our best shot.”

Tony Handley remains doubtful and another crushing blow was the loss of skipper Dave Ibbotson with a serious shoulder injury in the 32-7 defeat at Westoe last week. McNally continued “the Westoe pack was formidable but despite further injuries we battled extremely well in the second half and it was a try apiece in the second half. In that respect we can take some positives into the cup match.” Park gave debuts to centre Gavin Scott who performed admirably, John Moores student John Pritchard on the wing and Cheshire under 20 prop Jay Davies who came on as a replacement. Another former colt Colin Campbell scored his first senior try when he came off the bench for the injured skipper.

Photographs from the game at Westoe courtesy of Westoe

Ibbotson and Steve Clarke, who is recovering from a broken leg, are definitely ruled out of the Staines trip and a further seven players face fitness tests. McNally also has one or two selection surprises up his sleeve as flanker Jon Shudall, scrum half Christian Saverimutto and utility back Peter Hart all come into contention. All three played in an excellent Wanderers performance against Manchester on Saturday when Park just lost 15-13. The trio ,all in semi retirement, are fit and available and ready to answer the call in the Park cause.

Park will travel on Friday evening staying overnight at High Wycombe before travelling on to Staines for a 2pm kick off.