Tongan in as Tongan sits out

Nov 28 2007 by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Daily Post

THE return of Tongan back-row man Loa Topou to New Brighton has tempered the temporary loss of the services of skipper and fellow countryman Kati Tuipulotu.

Topou figured in Saturday’s victory but Tuipulotu was forced to sit on the sidelines through suspension.

Tuipulotu picked up a two-match ban as a result of a sending off in the game against Northwich at the start of the month.

It could have been worse for an alleged raking offence.

Tuipulotu will be back for the home clash with Rochdale on December 15 but will miss the away game against Broughton Park this Saturday.

The Blues turned in one of their best displays of the season to see off visiting Winnington Park 41-8.

They made light of the horrible windy and wet conditions and Park had no answer.

Wayne Clayton took over the captaincy in the absence of Tuipulotu and led by example.

There were seven tries in all via Mike Gallimore (2), Alan Hesketh, Joe Bowmer, Guy Stringer, Alistair Child and Chris Dale. Stephen Dean kicked the remainder of the points.

Confidence is high for what promises to be a close match at Chelsfield Grove.

Broughton and the Blues are side by side in the table just a point behind the leaders.

New Brighton have agreed to release ex-rugby league player Gareth Simpson with the winger come centre planning a switch to Wirral.

He has been unable to command a regular place at Hartsfield this season.

Meanwhile New Brighton are happy to again host the Wirral Floodlit Cup competition. Eight clubs will feature with the quarter-finals on Wednesday evenings in January and February.

The semi-finals are set for March and the final for Friday April 25 at Hartsfield.

DRAW: Wallasey v Oldershaw (Jan 9), Parkonians v Ellesmere Port (Jan 23), Capenhurst v Helsby (Feb 6), Prenton v Port Sunlight (Feb 27).