Rugby Union: Horrific injury mars cross-river derby encounter

Feb 4 2008 by Andrew Stratton, Liverpool Daily Post

Birkenhead Park 17, LSH 25

A SICKENING injury to Birkenhead prop forward Steve Clarke marred this North One cross-river derby at the Upper Park.

Clarke sustained a double fracture to the right leg during the second quarter and there was a 35-minute delay while he received attention on the pitch.

Park led 12-3 at the time and immediately added to the advantage with the forwards driving over for Jon Sewell to touch down.

It looked a forlorn task for the visitors at 17-3 down but they found a new spirit and determination in the last quarter as the heart went out of Birkenhead who capitulated in similar style to England.

It was a great result for LSH in their battle to avoid relegation.

Birkenhead now have a major problem at tight head for a vital Intermediate Cup clash at Staines in two weeks with their other recognised man Matt Ibbotson unable to play.

The influential Tony Handley also departed with a leg problem.

David Blythe gained the first Birkenhead try on 13 minutes from a forward drive with Dave Hall converting. Simon Worsley landed a penalty for the visitors but Park struck again on 26 minutes with Jon Brennand crossing after good play involving Matt Thompson and Tony Handley. LSH gradually began to get on top in the third quarter with forwards and backs working effectively and Simon Worsley who was always prominent at stand-off swept through to score.

Worsley then kicked a penalty and in the last few minutes Martin McGeough and Chris McRobert breached the home defence with Worsley adding to the score with one more conversion.

It was a remarkable turnaround and as LSH celebrated Park trudged away to reflect on what might and should have been but with thoughts mainly directed towards the plight of their charismatic forward colleague who remained in good spirits as he headed off to hospital and the operating theatre.