BIRKENHEAD PARK came close to being denied victory in a National Three North League clash they dominated for much of the time at Sandal.

Happily fly-half Dan Rich kept his cool in the 80th minute as he slotted over a crucial drop goal from the 22-metre line to clinch the points. Park were never behind. They had the edge up front and Sandal were penalised for their errors as Dave Hall landed a trio of first-half penalties.

But Sandal were back in contention with a breakaway try by Alex Orr before the interval.

Park were awarded a penalty try following a scrum collapse with Hall adding the extras early in the third period.

But Tom Hodson kicked a penalty for Sandal and the home side then got a second try via Orr as Greg Hughes served time in the sin bin for Birkenhead.

It was 16-16 in the 77th minute through another kick by Hodson but Park kept their nerve and forward pressure at the death was enough to earn the Rich harvest. Sean Mooney made a solid debut in the back-row in a Park team which did very well despite being depleted by injury.