Park go on recruitment drive prior to Chester test

Aug 22 2007 by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Daily Post

PREPARATIONS for the new rugby season at Birkenhead Park gather momentum as Park travel to Chester for a warm-up game on Saturday at 3pm.

Park returned to action last Saturday with a squad match against a lively Leigh team who provided a very worthwhile contest at the Upper Park.

Park have recruited a number of key players with considerable National League experience from Waterloo which should give them a more competitive edge in their North One campaign which begins at Kendal on September 8.

Stand-off Tony Handley, who joined last season to help Park stave off relegation, has confirmed that he will continue despite interest from other clubs.

Leading the new recruits is the vastly experienced stalwart Dave Blyth who will bolster the pack. Also in are flanker Njike Tchakoute, a Cameroon International, centres Gareth Davies and Gary Lunt and hooker Chris Jones. Moving in the other direction to Waterloo is Steven Dodd, who should do well on the national stage. Also returning is prop Andrew Crebbin and backs Robin Saverimutto and Shaun Ingram.

It has been a very busy summer off the pitch as well with Park’s new community function room and terrace now complete.

Park have joined the RFU Go Play Rugby initiative and are holding a fun day next Monday. Park will also be operating an Academy system with teams fielded at Junior Colts and Senior Colts levels for the first time.

Youth registration is on Sunday, September 2 at 10.30am at under-16, U13 and for the mini rugby section