Rugby Union: Stockport clash to double up as Cheshire Cup tie

Sep 26 2007 by Andrew Stratton, Liverpool Daily Post

NEW BRIGHTON have agreed to make their North Two West clash with Stockport on October 6 a double header with it also counting in the quarter-finals of the Lees Cheshire Cup.

The cup game was scheduled for October 9 at Birkenhead Park and the clubs did not see the point in meeting twice in four days. Meanwhile the Blues have been delighted with their start in the lower division.

They maintained their unbeaten record with a comfortable 42-12 success against visiting Tyldesley.

The last try was credited to Adam Baird, who was making his home debut. Baird attended Calday Grange Grammar School and figured with Caldy Colts.

But this season he linked up with New Brighton and was registered a couple of weeks ago.

Just 17-years-old, he looks a good second-row prospect. The connection with New Brighton came via his mother Sue Baird who played for the Lady Blues for a number of seasons.

Close-season signing Rick Hopkin made his mark for the Wirral club with three tries against a somewhat pedestrian Tydlesley and others were credited to Mike Gallimore, Alan Hesketh and Kati Tuipulotu.

It is still early days but the air of gloom has lifted at the Hartsfield camp after several difficult seasons with an excellent spirit in the camp.

Next up for the Blues is a visit to winless Leigh this coming Saturday.

Later in the month the sides will also clash in the National Cup competition.