Rugby Union: Birkenhead are left to rue their missed opportunities

Sep 19 2007 by Peter Greville, Liverpool Daily Post

A MUCH improved display against Huddersfield was still not enough to open Birkenhead Park’s North One account as Park were left to rue a number of missed opportunities.

Park scored three tries to one but were unable to take any of the kicking chances on offer any of which would have secured the victory.

Chris Johnson’s well-taken drop goal for Huddersfield deep in injury time was a cruel way for Park to lose a match that they should have had secured way before then. First-half tries by Dave Blyth, his first for the club, and Jon Sewell after excellent work by Tony Handley boded well for Park.

Park had the chance to build a healthy lead but four kicks at goal were missed and a try late in the half enabled Huddersfield to level the scores 10-10 at the interval.

Park regained the initiative with a try from hooker Chris Jones after a powerful forward drive but Huddersfield kept in touch with a Johnson penalty.

Park had the chances to move clear but ultimately paid a heavy price when Johnson struck just as Park looked to be home and dry.

This Saturday Park face a long haul trip to Hull, a ground which Park are yet to win on in their three visits since Hull’s promotion to North One three years ago.

Park hope prop Steve Clarke will be fit to resume after injury and they will also be keen to sort out the goal kicking.

Last Sunday Park launched a new under-16s side composed of local school players.

Players were involved from seven schools and the inaugural match against Prenton was a great success. Flanker Adam Brooks from Park High scored two tries and No.8 Luke McKenna from Plessington one.

Full-back Ryan Dunne opened the scoring and Chris Lewis (St Anselms) and Lawrence Stansfield (Kingsmead) kicked the conversions in a 31-12 win. The new team was captained by Nial Cavanagh (Ridgeway) and they play Prenton in a return match this Sunday.