New Brighton: Ready for a crunch test

Feb 6 2008 by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Daily Post

NEW BRIGHTON like many clubs were without a game last weekend although the second team played a re-arranged Miller Homes League clash with Didsbury Toc H and came out on top 27-12.

The Blues have been putting in some hard work in training as they prepare for Saturday’s crucial away clash with second placed Stockport in North Two West.

It is almost a win or bust challenge for the Wirral side whose promotion hopes could be fatally dented if the score goes the wrong way.

Scrum-half Mike Gallimore is making progress after his broken leg but is still a long way off making a return.

He has been joined in the injury camp by Rick Hopkin who sustained a dislocated wrist a fortnight ago and seems likely to miss the remainder of the season.

There will be just six league games remaining after the trip to the Bridge Lane Memorial ground and the Blues know they face a massive task.

Weather permitting there is rugby action at Hartsfield this evening when Capenhurst and Helsby meet in the Wirral Floodlit Cup quarter final with a 7.30pm kick-off. Both clubs play in South Lancashire/Cheshire Four and will start level tonight in what is now a handicap based competition.

The Parkonians v Ellesmere Port clash called off recently has been fixed for next Wednesday evening.