BIRKENHEAD PARK were made to work hard for their latest National Three North victory by a competitive Penrith outfit at the Upper Park on Saturday.

Park secured a narrow 10-7 victory in a defence dominated affair and were happy enough with the outcome. A powerful run by Greg Hughes gave Park an early try converted by Dave Hall but poor positional play led to a soft score for the visitors and at 7-7 there was little to choose between the sides at half time.

In the absence of injured director of rugby John McNally, former coach and Park stalwart Shaun Gallagher has stepped into the breach and was in charge of the team on Saturday.

Gallagher said: “ I was confident at half-time as we had the elements behind us in the second half. We had plenty of possession and pressure but Penrith defended well and we just couldn’t get the break through.

“We almost paid the penalty as Penrith came back strongly in the final few minutes but our defence was up to the task and we kept our discipline well to hold on for the win.”

In the end Dave Hall’s second half penalty proved to be the match winner. Park were again without skipper Chris Jones and Martin O’Keefe continued in an emergency hooking role. Back rowers Jack Ashcroft and Ollie Mabbot formed a new second row partnership and Sean Mooney did well in the back row. Player coach Tony Handley returned at inside centre allowing Danny Rich to continue at stand-off.

This Saturday Park travel to Lymm and will be looking for a league double over their Cheshire rivals.

Gallagher continued: “We produced some great rugby to thoroughly outplay Lymm in the first game back in September.

“Lymm have done well since then and are just above us in the table so we will have to be on top of our game to complete the double.

“I was pleased with the effort put in against Penrith but we will need to step up a level this week.”