Rugby Union: Birkenhead Park still in mix for play-off placings

Jan 23 2008 by Peter Greville, Liverpool Daily Post

THE North One derby between Birkenhead Park and Liverpool St Helens will now be played on February 2 following last Saturday’s late postponement.

Second-placed Huddersfield lost at leaders Kendal and if Park can continue their winning run they will keep the pressure on the Yorkshire outfit for the play-offs.

This Saturday Park travel to Sheffield Tigers for the first time. The going on the Dore Moor pitch is likely to be heavy which will suit the full-strength Birkenhead pack.

Park defeated the Tigers 31-17 in the first encounter in October when hooker Chris Jones scored all five of the home tries.

The Park line-up is likely to be the one that was due to play against LSH with Matt Thompson at scrum-half and Andy Trotter returning on the wing for Greg Hughes, who will be out for a number of weeks with a broken arm.

Park’s national EDF Energy Intermediate Cup quarter-final will be played on February 23 at Staines.

Coach Neil Shaw said: “This was not the draw we were looking for and to give ourselves a good chance we will travel down the night before.

“Staines are having a good season and have lost just three times so far but they are a level below us so that is in our favour. Home advantage will be a factor but I am confident. The experience of Dave Blyth and Tony Handley will be a huge asset.”

The Cheshire Cup final between Park and Macclesfield has been confirmed for Easter Saturday, March 23 at Chester just seven days after the EDF semi-final, should Park reach that stage.