Tigers sink their claws into Park’s play-off hopes

Jan 30 2008 by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Daily Post

BIRKENHEAD PARK lost ground in the North One promotion battle as they were beaten 16-10 at Sheffield Tigers.

Park have slipped to fourth in the table, with Westoe moving above them, and they are now six points behind second-placed Huddersfield with a game in hand.

Park failed to use the strong wind to their advantage in the first half but they were level 10-10 at the interval against a lively Tigers outfit who have only lost once at their Dore Moor ground this season – and that was to unbeaten leaders Kendal.

Tom Outram for Tigers and Dave Hall exchanged penalties before scrum-half Alex Drage scored under the posts to give Sheffield the lead.

Birkenhead responded with a penalty try when Tigers collapsed a scrum as Park were in the process of driving over the try-line.

In the second half the Park forwards gained the upper hand in the scrum but were unable to gain sufficient territorial advantage to pressurise the home defence. Park defended well to prevent Tigers scoring a try but two penalties in the final quarter by Outram proved decisive.

Park play their game in hand this Saturday, the re-arranged North One derby against Liverpool St Helens at the Upper Park, 3pm kick-off.

Meanwhile, Park Wanderers put on a much-improved display in the Bateman BMW Premiership as they just lost 25-22 to Fylde, who scored the winning try with only five minutes remaining.

On Sunday the senior Colts were victorious at Hoylake, winning 16-12 with tries by O’Connor and Rozario and two Alan Hughes penalties.

Park have recently launched a new under-13s side and they enjoyed a victory 27-22 over Flint in their first home match on Sunday.

New players are still required and anyone interested should report to coach Chris Dodds at 10am for training at the club on Sunday.

John Moores University return to BUSA action this afternoon as they take on Leeds Met at the Upper Park (2pm).