Rugby Union: Birkenhead Park 10, Luctonians

Jan 14 2008 by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Daily Post

AN ABSORBING EDF Energy Intermediate Cup fourth round tie at the Upper Park just went the way of home side.

Birkenhead, in scoring two tries to nil, undoubtedly deserved a place in the last eight, but it was very close.

Twice the home side fell behind, but twice they hit back for crucial scores. There was no quarter given and both sides showed tremendous defensive qualities. Park just gained the edge up front.

There were no real scoring opportunities in the opening period, which was remarkably free of penalties. But Luctonians sneaked ahead with the last kick of the half by Chris James after Park paid for a forward indiscretion near their own posts.

The home side took just three minutes in the second period to get their first try. Skipper Dave Ibbotson broke from a scrum on the blind side and Steve Lowry carried on the move before putting Jon Brennand in for a simple touch-down. The conversion by Dave Hall fell agonisingly short and it seemed Park might pay when James struck a second Luctonians penalty for a front-row scrummage offence. Hall was wide with a long-range penalty, but then the home side produced strong pressure which resulted in an unconverted Christian Jones try. It was his 28th try of the season and he is the leading try-scorer in the country.

There was still work for Park to do as Luctonians made a brave effort to redress the balance. But the home side dominated in 10 minutes of stoppage time with some adroit touch-line kicking by Handley breaking the Luctonians hearts.