BIRKENHEAD PARK continued their North One unbeaten run but they were given an unpleasant shock in the process.

In the first half they dominated proceedings fairly consistently and ran in three excellent tries without any reply, but the game changed considerably just before half-time when the visitors’ late arrival, Rob Hitchmough, finally made his way onto the pitch.

Steve Dodd claimed both the Birkenhead team’s first two tries, with their third coming from powerful prop Matthew Ibbotson, who forced his way over after considerable pressure.

Only that one was converted but the home side still stood 17 points in front, until Hitchmough eventually arrived at fly-half just before the interval.

The team’s confidence was clearly boosted and within a couple of minutes they snapped up a try from centre Matt Holding.

Soon after the resumption, sub Mike Millward claimed a second, which clearly shook the home team quite badly.

West Park were actually attacking within their opponents’ 22 when the speedy Anthony Molloy intercepted and sprinted the length of the pitch to clinch the game.

A highly entertaining game that confirmed Birkenhead Park are pretty useful and West Park could well become just as strong with two or three forward reinforcements.