Rugby Union: Man of match Lowry paints Park a perfect picture

Nov 7 2007 by Peter Greville, Liverpool Daily Post

BIRKENHEAD PARK produced an excellent performance to win 37-17 at Penrith to keep the pressure on the North One leaders.

It was a much improved display and after stand off Tony Handley touched down on 10 minutes the result was never in doubt.

Scrum half Steve Lowry was the man of the match with a livewire display as he repeatedly probed the Penrith defence and made a number of telling breaks including a try from a five metre scrum. Park built a 22-3 lead at half time with Chris Jones also scoring to add to a penalty try awarded when Penrith attempted to illegally stop the Park rolling maul.

Penrith were handicapped by the sending off of prop Simpson although Park were already three tries to the good by then – but the home side showed plenty of spirit in a losing cause with two second half tries.

The Park backs were creative and winger Greg Hughes scored from an overlap. Gareth Davies and Gary Lunt had strong games in the centre as did flanker Jon Sewell. Hooker Jones again grabbed the limelight with his second try and he has now scored 16 tries this season.

Equally pleasing for Park was the Wanderers’ 24-12 victory at Caldy in the Bateman BMW Premiership. The Wanderers scored four tries to none and combined a good mix of youth and experience. Backs Robin Saverimutto, Stuart Crampton and Peter Hart scored the Park tries to add to a penalty try in a lively encounter.

The Park A team and the Lions also won to give a senior clean sweep while the Junior Colts were just edged out in a thriller at Rhyl on Sunday.

Action coming up at the Upper Park starts on Saturday when Park take on Cleckheaton looking for a seventh successive NorthOne victory (3pm). On Tuesday old rivals Park and New Brighton clash in the Cheshire Cup semi-final, 8pm kick-off.

The derby is sure to be keenly contested with Park enjoying league seniority over the Blues for the first time in over a decade.

On Wednesday December 5, Park have a special game to mark the official opening of their new floodlights, all-weather pitch and community room as the Royal Navy playWooden Spoon Anti Assassins.