Man-of-match Reynolds helps keep run intact

Nov 14 2007 by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Daily Post

BIRKENHEAD PARK beat neighbouring New Brighton 18-0 at the Upper Park last night to book a place in the final of the Lees Cheshire Cup against either Caldy or Macclesfield whose semi-final was postponed.

The win follows Park’ s seventh successive North 1 win as they defeated Cleckheaton 12-6 in a hard-fought encounter at the Upper Park at the weekend.

Park scored the only two tries of the match in the first half but their 12-0 half-time lead hardly looked sufficient as they faced the strong wind in the second half. However, in the event a sound Park defence refused to yield and Cleckheaton could only manage two penalties in a tense struggle.

Winger Andy Trotter scored his first Park try and Dave Hall converted. Paul Hellier was outstanding in the line out. Flanker Ashley Olliver enjoyed an excellent game in the back row and he claimed a crucial second try on the half hour. Prop Phil Reynolds was voted the James Beam man of the match after a determined display in the front row.

The Park Wanderers gained a third successive victory in the Bateman BMW Premiership as they overwhelmed Altrincham Kersal 64-5.

There was disappointment for the Park Junior Colts, who just lost to Caldy in the A League.

Nathan McHugh scored for Park in the first minute and Ben Hughes scored a great solo try but it was not enough as Caldy came from behind to win. Caldy’s inability to field an experienced hooker meant the scrums were uncontested throughout.

On Saturday the Park first XV travel to Northwich in the second round of the EDF Energy Intermediate Cup, kick-off 2pm.