BIRKENHEAD Park were in fine form against Lymm in National League Three on Saturday as they scored seven tries in a rousing display at the Upper Park to earn a 48-15 win.

Powerful prop Martin O’Keefe led the way with a hat-trick of tries as he used his strength to good effect to constantly threaten the Lymm defence.

O’Keefe said: “Shaun Gallagher has been putting me through some extra training to help increase my fitness levels and I felt that this is already paying dividends. Hopefully there will be plenty more tries to follow.”

Coach Gallagher said: “I am pleased that Martin is putting in the extra graft, Lymm found him a real handful and if he can get that bit fitter he will do even more damage.”

Gallagher continued: “We avenged our defeat earlier in the season at Lymm in some style.

“Jack Lavin’s try was a beauty with a great run out of defence before feeding winger Danny Rich who was held up just short but he flicked the ball back inside to Lavin for a fantastic score. These lads are both still teenagers but they are developing into quality players.”

Greg Hughes, Chris Jones and substitute Mike Chapman were the other try scorers with Dave Hall converting four and hitting a penalty before making way for Chapman.

Lavin converted once but his final kick hit the post as Park just missed out on the half century.

Park’s bonus point victory moved them up to fifth position level with Darlington Mowden Parkwho are the next opponents on Saturday.

Gallagher said: “Darlington were comfortable winners in the first fixture so we know how tough it will be for us away from home. I think we are a much better side now than when we first played them so I am confident we can go there and cause a surprise.”

Colts hooker Adam Neale has been selected for the Cheshire under-20s squad along with first-teamers Jack Lavin, Danny Rich and Jack Ashcroft.

Another former colt Sean Mooney, currently at Edge Hill University, has also been selected for the county squad’s forthcoming Northern Championship.