Rugby Union: Park chalk up half century in victory by the Humber

Sep 26 2007 by Peter Greville, Liverpool Daily Post

AN EXCEPTIONAL performance by Birkenhead Park gave them a remarkable 51-0 victory over Hull at Haworth Park – a venue where Park had not won in their three previous visits.

It was a superb all-round team effort but Tony Handley orchestrated matters from stand-off, with a magnificent tactical display.

Park dominated throughout after Handley dropped a goal to open the scoring.

Forwards Dave Blyth and Njike Tchakoute were influential throughout and it was Tchakoute who scored the first try after 16 minutes from a line-out catch and drive. Park built up a commanding 29-0 lead by half-time with three further tries and three conversions by Handley. Winger Greg Hughes scored after good work by Handley and Brennand, player-coach Jon Sewell rounded off another excellent backs move to score under the posts. Hooker Chris Jones claimed the final try of the half after breaking off the back of a line-out.

Chris Jones and Hughes both got their second touch-downs after half-time and full-back Marc Harris also crossed. The final try of the afternoon was scored by prop Gareth Jones after a drive by Sewell set up a good ball.

Park will be hoping to continue in similar vein this Saturday when Westoe are the visitors to the Upper Park. Park are still to defeat the South Shields outfit in the previous four North One encounters.

Park Wanderers put on an encouraging display against West Park in the Bateman BMW Premiership. Park levelled the scores 17-17 after a great try by Joe Bowmer approaching the final quarter but West pulled clear to win with some excellent running rugby as the home pack tired.

The Park Academy sides had mixed fortunes with the senior colts losing out 17-12 against Fleetwood who grabbed a late try to snatch the game.

The junior colts had an excellent 17-5 win at Vale Of Lune with tries by Ben Hughes (2) and Ashley Lucas and a conversion by Shaun Boyd.

The new under-16s team, after a good start the previous week against Prenton, were outgunned in the return fixture.

New players are still required and anyone interested should attend training this Sunday at 10am.