Rugby Union: Further proof of Park’s punch

Oct 3 2007 by Peter Greville, Liverpool Daily Post

BIRKENHEAD PARK were good value for their North One victory over Westoe last Saturday as the South Shields outfit were defeated for the first time this season.

Park had not tasted victory in the four previous matches between the sides since Westoe were promoted to North One.

And as Westoe have finished third in the previous two seasons, Park’s 28-8 win was a further demonstration of their ability to compete with the front-runners in the league following on from the extraordinary 51-0 away win at Hull the previous week.

Huddersfield and Kendal are now the only two unbeaten teams and Park could well continue to rue the single-point reverse against Huddersfield three weeks ago.

Park lost scrum-half Steve Lowry, who looked to be in great form, with an ankle injury. Lowry, who is also John Moores University skipper, faces a battle to be fit not only for Park but also for the forthcoming BUSA campaign.

Meanhwile, JMU opened their season with a warm-up game against Park Wanderers last week and today they have the annual local varsity match against Liverpool University at Wyncote (3pm).

The contest will no doubt be fiercely competitive as JMU look to avenge last year’s defeat.

Park Junior Colts had another excellent victory in the Lancashire & Cheshire League A, winning away at Broughton Park 24-10.

Flanker Ashley Lucas scored two tries with singles from number eight Jack Ashcroft and second row Charles Brophy.

Danny Rich kicked two conversions to keep Park in contention at the top of the table.

This Saturday the Park first team travel to Altrincham Kersal looking for a third consecutive North One victory (kick-off 3pm).