Shaw eyes progress to Cup’s last 16

Dec 12 2007 by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Daily Post

BIRKENHEAD PARK were due to travel to Cleckheaton for a North 1 fixture on Saturday but the RFU have ruled that the postponed EDF Energy third round tie must take priority so Park are now at home to the same opposition at the Upper Park, 3pm kick-off.

The EDF Intermediate Cup match had to be postponed last week due to a flooded pitch and the two sides must try again this Saturday. Park should be at full strength as they look to move into the last 16 for the first time. The winners will meet one of Chester, Middlesbrough and Stockport for a place in the Quarter Finals. Coach Neil Shaw said: “Both Cleckheaton and Park are, on paper, two of the strongest sides remaining in the cup in national terms and there is no reason why the winners cannot go all the way to Twickenham.

“Neither side will have a better opportunity to progress but anything can happen and we have traditionally under performed in the Cup over the years.”

The tie will be given extra interest by the inclusion of British Lion star winger John Bentley, who is also Cleckheaton’s director of rugby, in the visitors line up.

The Park Wanderers had a week off last week but they hope to complete a Bateman BMW Premiership double at Altrincham Kersal on Saturday. Park won the home fixture 64-5 but will expect a much tougher test at Stellfox Avenue on Saturday.

There is also plenty of action scheduled for Sunday at the Upper Park with a Park Veterans XV taking on a Wirral Veterans XV invited from most of the local clubs at 12noon. Players from several eras will be taking the field as they attempt to relive former glories.

At 2.15pm on Sunday Cheshire under-20s will be playing their North Midlands counterparts and Birkenhead Park’s Jay Davies, Adam Neale and Andy Fineran are all expected to appear in the Cheshire pack.