Injury woes for Park ahead of knockout date

Feb 20 2008 by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Daily Post

BIRKENHEAD Park travel to Staines for the EDF Energy Intermediate Cup quarter-final on Saturday.

Park will look to put their poor league form behind them as they attempt to take a step nearer to a Twickenham final.

The odds are stacked against Park following a major injury crisis, but director of rugby John McNally remains upbeat.

He declared: “This is a huge game for us and I’m confident that we can turn Staines over on their own patch. We are hopeful that some of the injured players will be fit, but if not we will still be going down there to give it our best shot.”

Tony Handley remains doubtful while skipper Dave Ibbotson is out with a serious shoulder injury sustained in the 32-7 defeat at Westoe last week. McNally continued: “The Westoe pack was formidable, but despite further injuries we battled extremely well in the second half and it was a try apiece in the second half. In that respect we can take some positives into the cup match.”

Park gave debuts to centre Gavin Scott, who performed admirably, John Moores student John Pritchard on the wing and Cheshire under-20s prop Jay Davies, who came on as a replacement. Another former colt Colin Campbell scored his first senior try.

Steve Clarke is still recovering from a broken leg.