Park are one win away from final

Feb 25 2008 by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Daily Post

BIRKENHEAD PARK put their recent disappointments behind them to turn in a disciplined display and book a place in the semi-finals of the EDF Energy Intermediate Cup.

It was a cracking cup tie against the high-ranked London Two outfit and Park, after an early setback, controlled much of the proceedings

They built up a 20-7 interval lead and never looked like losing from that point.

It was a spirited team performance, with Steve Lowry and Tony Handley making their presence felt at half-back. Jon Shudall, in the back-row, and Peter Hart at full-back made successful comebacks after not playing at senior level for many months.

Staines, not beaten at home this season, got off to a flyer with John Turner bursting through the middle for a try and Andy Regan converting.

But Park were quick to respond with Christian Jones crossing from a driving maul following a line-out. Another try was disallowed because the referee was unsighted, but Park were not to be outdone with Jones Sewell picking up at the back of a scrum and Shudall proving the link for Hart to cross in the corner.

Hall could not convert either try, but was successful with a penalty on 37 minutes. Then the visitors grabbed a crucial third try through Jones after a bout of open play, with Hall adding the extras.

Park held off everything Staines threw at them and looked comfortable until a breakaway try by Richard Scott in the 70th minute cast a slight doubt on the outcome.

But Hall settled Park again with a penalty a few minutes later and the tie was sealed.

Now the Upper Park side hope for a home draw in the penultimate stage, with Twickenham just one win away.

WIDNES went under 13-5 in a hard fought re-arranged South Lancashire/Cheshire One match at much-improved Burnage

Wigan were on the wrong side of a 26-3 score at Bowdon while in Division Three Mossley Hill failed 22-9 at Holmes Chapel.

The majority of local cubs did not have a fixture over the weekend.