THE current phase of the major regeneration project at Birkenhead Park has now been completed.
More than £1.1 million has been invested in the improvement of the facilities at the Upper Park and the new changing rooms were in use for the first time last Saturday when Park gained a fourth North One victory over Beverley 31-13.
The development of the club has been hindered by the previously dilapidated facilities at the historic ground where Park have played for more than 125 years.
The new floodlights, community room, all-weather pitch and now the changing rooms have been designed to create a solid footing for the club and hopefully enable the continued expansion of the youth section.
The only down side is that the players will no longer be applauded in and out of the clubhouse, which was a particular feature, especially after a great home win.
Club president Mark McNally said: “We are losing a great tradition but we had to move on, it is now up to us to ensure we manage the new facilities and put the club on a solid footing for future generations of Park players.
“There is still work to be done to continue the improvements and work has already started on the continuing hunt for funding.”
Meanwhile, Park continues its policy of introducing colts to senior rugby with players from both the junior and senior teams featuring in the senior club teams.
Against Beverley at the weekend, Dave Hall continued his great form with the boot by hitting four penalties and two conversions and he heads the North One kicking table.
Three excellent tries by Steve Lowry, Dave Ibbotson – after great work by Tony Handley – and Mark McKeon carried the day against a lively Beverley side.
However, the result of the day was undoubtedly the Park Wanderers’ superb 22-15 victory at level two club Manchester in the Bateman BMW Premiership.
Steve Dodd has returned from Waterloo and made an immediate impact with two tries with the forwards paving the way in a powerful display.
It was an excellent day all round with the thirds winning 26-10 at Southport, colt Danny Rich, promising newcomer Neil Symons, Chris White and Mark Donaghy scored the tries.
The fourths completed the clean sweep with a 39-26 victory over Hoylake seconds.
NEXT GAME: Newark v Birkenhead Park, EDF National Trophy, October 18.
