IN A tense derby match at Eastham it was Anselmians who out-manoeuvred a young Wirral side 23-19.

Anselmians took the lead with an early Simon Mason penalty before Wirral hit back with a Sam Broadbent try duly converted by Craig Harvey.

A further Simon Mason penalty reduced the arrears to 7-6. Wirral stretched their lead after a quickly taken penalty some 55m out saw Ryan Stead make much progress before putting Ross Page clear to score near the posts. Craig converted.

Following a lengthy injury break, Anselmians caught Wirral napping with a well executed move down the blindside which saw Ollie Whorton crossing in the corner.

The second half saw Anselmians with a greater share of possession and using their forwards to greater effect gained much ground.

This led them to scoring two tries through their forwards, one converted. Thereafter Wirral were left to force the issue with long adventurous passes in the hope of getting their backs moving but to no effect. However in the last two minutes, Wirral made a break from 75m out through captain Craig Harvey who drew the full-back before putting brother, Danny free to run in from 45m out. The conversion was missed.

The last minute saw further Wirral pressure but Anselmians held on to run out 23-19 winners.