WIRRAL – unbeaten in 2013 – took their record to lowly Fleetwood where the match was played on an extremely muddy pitch and thus did not suit Wirral’s flowing rugby game.

The first half had all the hallmarks of a 0-0 scoring draw as both teams had difficulty in controlling the ball with a number of dropped passes and thus no points were scored in the first half.

There was a bout of scoring early in the second half with Wirral taking the lead with a Dan Harvey penalty only for Fleetwood to take the lead with an unconverted try by winger Zac Coultas following a poor clearance kick.

After 53 minutes Wirral regained the lead when prop Matt Brown ran in from 15 metres after good work by the forwards and this was converted from the touchline by Dan Harvey.

Thereafter the Wirral forwards took control and a further Harvey penalty extended their lead.

Wirral ensured victory five minutes from time when Brown dived over from a metre out following good work from the forwards and although Fleetwood looked to exert pressure in the final minutes they could not break through the Wirral defence.

This was a well earned victory in difficult conditions but despite this win Wirral fell to seventh in the league but do have games in hand on the teams above.