BIRKENHEAD PARK moved into top gear with an emphatic 53-21 over sixth-placed Rossendale.

Park scored eight tries and the bonus point victory ensured that they climb another place up the table above West Hartlepool with Kendal currently in last place.

Park built up a 25-16 lead in a competitive first-half which opened with a penalty by Rossendale full-back Steve Nutt after three minutes.

Winger Greg Hughes responded with a try in the corner for Birkenhead but Nutt was on target with a second penalty for the visitors.

Forward pressure resulted in a try for Danny Collins as Rossendale increased their lead.

Dave Hall kicked a penalty for Park and then wing Robbie Houliston finished off another backs move with a try which Hall converted from the touchline.

A few minutes later a great run by Houliston put Danny Rich over for another home try but Rossendale hit straight back with their second try by Matt Smith.

There was still time for Park to get their fourth five-pointer of the encounter and claim the bonus point before half time as hooker Stu Brown touched down after a powerful forward drive.

Park took control in the second-half and prop Matt Ibbotson scored the fifth try soon after the restart.

A kick and chase saw Hughes grab his second try of the game but Rossendale threatened a comeback when Sam Greenwood scored after a period of sustained pressure which saw Park reduced to 13 men with two men dispatched to the sin bin.

Crucially, Rossendale were unable to take further advantage and it was Park who scored next when substitute Gavin Scott crossed to make the game safe and Brown rounded off proceedings with his second try, skipper Hall converting all four second-half tries to take Park past the half century mark.

THIS Saturday Park travel to Lymm in National Three North looking for revenge against their Cheshire rivals who inflicted a heavy defeat on Birkenhead in September.