Kennedy answers SOS call to fly in

Mar 12 2008 by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Daily Post

IAN KENNEDY made a surprise return to action for New Brighton in their North Two West derby at Hartsfield.

Kennedy, who has been doing the backs coaching for the Blues, vowed he would never play again but agreed to take the fly-half role after late withdrawals when the second and third teams had already travelled away.

There were touches of the old magic from Kennedy but Brighton were always fighting a losing battle against the champions elect Chester. It finished 37-20 and the defeat all but signalled the end of play-off hopes for the Wirral club. They do not play again until the end of the month, away to Vale of Lune, and there is just one home outing remaining against Stockport on April 19. Kati Tuipulotu secured the tries with a conversion and a penalty from Stephen Dean.

The Blues must now look to next season to try to regain their North One placing and it is imperative they recruit some new players to bolster their squad.

There is Floodlit Cup semi-final action at Hartsfield this evening with Parkonians and Wallasey due to meet. Parkonians start with a ten points advantage in what is now a handicap competition.

It has now been confirmed New Brighton will host the Cheshire v Lancashire County Championship match on May 10.