Birkenhead sweat on skipper as final nears

Apr 2 2008 by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Daily Post

Birkenhead sweat on skipper as final nears

THESE are exciting times at Birkenhead Park with preparations well advanced for the EDF Energy Intermediate Cup Final at Twickenham on April 12.

With the JW Lees Cheshire Cup already in the bag Park are looking to make it a unique double.

Park could not prevent unbeaten North One leaders Kendal from claiming the Championship last Saturday in atrocious conditions at the Upper Park. Park made the Cumbrian outfit struggle at times but Kendal were worthy winners despite a fine second-half try by Park right-winger Andy Trotter which brought Birkenhead back in contention at 15-7 midway through the second half.

Dave Blyth also looked to have scored for Park which would have really put the pressure on Kendal but few would blame the unsighted referee in the muddy conditions.

Park are now free to concentrate on their big day at HQ with there being no First XV fixture this weekend. The Park selectors have announced a 26-man squad for Twickenham all of whom will be part of the official party on the day. Director of rugby John McNally said: “The squad has to be reduced to 22 for the match and undoubtedly there will be some tough decisions to make before we finalise that. However, the Club recognises that more than the final 22 has played a big part in getting us to the final and we aim to ensure that all 26 players will play a full role in the Twickenham experience as a reward for their efforts.”

Park skipper Dave Ibbotson has been included in the initial squad but he faces a fight to be passed fit for the club’s big day after been sidelined with a shoulder injury for two months.

Coach Neil Shaw said: “Everyone at Park is hoping Dave will be able to take his place in the squad after missing both the semi final and quarter final . He has played here since he was 11 and if anyone deserves the opportunity to play at Twickenham he does. If he doesn’t make it then there will be huge disappointment but he is made of stern stuff and will be with us on the day come what may, he is a real team player.”

There is a final opportunity for a number of the squad to push their case when they turn out for the Park Wanderers this Saturday against Macclesfield in the Bateman BMW Premiership (kick-off 3pm) at the Upper Park.

There are still a limited number of £30 Twickenham tickets available from the club office (0151 653 6070) which are also valid for the Exeter v Northampton and Leicester v Ospreys matches taking place on the same day.