Rugby Union: Bracknell 12, Birkenhead Park 16

Mar 17 2008 by Andrew Stratton, Liverpool Daily Post

BIRKENHEAD PARK turned in a top class performance at Lily Hill Park to book a place in the Twickenham final of the EDF Energy Intermediate Cup.

It will be an all Northern final on April 12 with Chester taking their place after an emphatic win over Newport.

A Tony Handley kick through bounced awkwardly for Bracknell. Centre Mark McKeon grabbed possession 30 metres out and went past two defenders for a fine try to which Handley added the conversion.

Bracknell rallied for Tongan Jervic Manupenu to send Olly Jones over in the corner on 35 minutes before a Handley penalty made it 10-5 in Park’s favour.

A drive over touch down by flanker Rudal Aiona five minutes into the second period with Ben Nowak goaling from the touch line tipped the balance the way of the home side but Park responded with a Handley penalty.

Another Handley kick was scored after 70 minutes.

Birkenhead now figure in the final of the Lees Cheshire Cup against Macclesfield at Chester on Easter Saturday.