Tongan set for Hartsfield

Nov 14 2007 by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Daily Post

NEW BRIGHTON will soon have another Tongan in their ranks.

Influential back-row man Loa Topou is returning from Caldy and should have a massive influence.

He did play at Hartsfield several seasons ago and will be re-united with his fellow countryman Kati Tuipulotu, who is the Blues captain.

Final details were being ironed out this week for the Topou switch.

Meanwhile New Brighton had to settle for a 24-24 draw in a first-ever visit to Rochdale for their latest North Two West outing and now lie fourth in the table but well in touch with the leaders.

It was a ding-dong tussle at Rochdale’s Bamford ground but defences held the upper hand in a frantic finale.

Each side gained four tries and two kicks. Mike Gallimore, Kati Tuipulotu and Joe Bowmer went in for the Blues. There was also a penalty try.

Recent signing Martyn Canham took over the kicking duties in the absence of Stephen Dean and bench man Jim Yarranton.

It has been an encouraging first quarter to the season for the Wirral club, who are now in a position to mount a strong promotion drive after two successive relegations.

The Blues lost 18-0 in the semi-final of Cheshire Cup at Birkenhead Park last night.

They do not have a game on Saturday, which is set aside for national cup action. They went out at Leigh in the first stage last month.