Rugby Union: Jones shines as brilliant Birkenhead tame Tigers

Oct 24 2007 by Peter Greville, Liverpool Daily Post

BIRKENHEAD PARK edged out Sheffield Tigers in the first ever meeting between the two sides.

Park hooker Chris Jones stole the show with all five Park tries to add to the hat-trick he got in Park’s previous North One game at Altrincham. Jones has already scored 12 tries to date since his return to the Upper Park this season.

There is no doubting Jones’s pedigree but it is the overall strength of the Park forwards which is providing the scoring opportunities.

Park completely dominated the first half as Jones claimed a hat-trick within the first half hour and added a fourth before the break.

Tigers made a much better fist of things in the second half with South African stand off Franco Booysen posing a real threat.

Tigers got within a converted try of Park’s score with five minutes to go but a fine late rally saw Park safely home.

A great run by Jones was halted just short but the irrepressible hooker joined the ensuing forward drive to grab his fifth try and confirm a fourth successive Park victory, 31-17.

Park now look forward to the derby at Liverpool St Helens on Saturday, 3pm kick-off at Moss Lane.

The Wanderers lost 51-17 in their Bateman BMW Premiership match but again fought hard against a higher rated side. The forwards again did well with hooker Stuart Brown scoring a try and full back Marc Harris claimed a second. Andy Trotter showed good pace on the wing and both he and Harris could be in contention for promotion.

Park’s academy player Shaun Mooney played for the Cheshire under-16s side against Yorkshire last Sunday and hooker Jason Detlaff has been selected for the under-18 Cheshire squad.