BIRKENHEAD PARK found National Three North league leaders Darlington Mowden Park to be too strong for them as the north east outfit took another step towards the league title at the Upper Park on Saturday.

Park fought hard and a Mike Chapman try kept them in touch at 13-5 as half-time approached. Two tries from the visitors just before half-time changed the complexion of the game but there was no way back for Park despite a gritty second half display.

With Tony Handley resuming his player-coach role, the evergreen Shaun Gallagher was in charge on the touchline and said: “We fought hard but were beaten too often at the break down and we failed to turn our pressure into points. They were a useful side and took their chances well, I cant really see anyone catching them up so the rest of us are now playing for the play off position.”

Skipper Chris Jones came off the bench in the second half and led his side from the front. The second half remained scoreless until the closing minutes when two further scores secured the bonus point for the visitors

Park now turn their attention to the derby on Saturday when Chester are scheduled to visit the Upper Park.

Chester, after a fine start to the season, have faltered and they lost at Beverley on Saturday.

Gallagher said: “The game is up for grabs and we are keen to gain revenge for the defeat at Hare Lane back in September.”

The Park Wanderers maintained top spot in the University of Salford Division One with a 25-0 victory at Aldwinians but they face a strong challenge from Wilmslow in second place.

There was also a great win for the Park Panthers, who overcame their closest rivals Eccles 13-7 to remain top of the RFUW North Division Two. Danae Zamboulis and centre Ashleigh Neale scored spectacular tries and fly-half Justine Milnes added a penalty.

This week the Panthers travel to Fleetwood Grasshoppers.