Rugby Union: Birkenhead Park 18, Chester 21

Apr 14 2008 Liverpool Daily Post

CHESTER captain Simon Verbickas dedicated his side’s EDF Energy Intermediate Cup triumph to critically injured team-mate Aled Evans.

The 29-year-old was airlifted to hospital in Bangor last Wednesday after falling from the roof of a farm building in North Wales.

Evans, who was due to line up at Twickenham with his team-mates, has now been transferred to the Walton Centre for neurology and neurosurgery at Liverpool.

“This victory is for Aled and we’ll be taking the trophy to him as soon as we can,” said Verbickas.

“He’s been part of the squad all season and we’re a tight-knit group who work really hard together.”

Verbickas lifted the cup after replacement wing Simon Love snatched victory in the last five minutes against the run of play.

The victory capped a magnificent season for the Hare Lane side who the previous Saturday had clinched the North Two West title.

It was a tense final with the result in the balance throughout. It was replacement Simon Love who delivered the knockout blow for Chester when it appeared Park would put their name on the trophy.

What Chester lacked in forward strength they made up for with some lively back play. Birkenhead possibly should have done better with the possession they commanded but their opponents never flinched in defence.

Tony Handley landed an early drop goal for Park and doubled the advantage with a penalty but Chester replied with a try by centre Liam Lawton after an excellent backs move.

Lock David Blythe produced a superb solo run from half way to touch down for Birkenhead. Handley’s conversion made it 13-5 before Tom Foden cut the advantage with a penalty just ahead of the break.

Two penalties by Foden edged Chester in front for the first time in the third quarter but forward pressure brought a second touch-down by Blythe for Park on 64 minutes.

But disaster struck for the Upper Park outfit in the 75th minute as they tried to capitalise on an overlap situation with Chester seemingly on the ropes. Love intercepted in his own half and raced between the posts to leave Foden an easy goal.

There was then no way back for the North One side.

“It was a fantastic occasion with tremendous support for both sides,” said Park spokesman Peter Greville. “It was a cruel way for us to lose in the end but all credit to Chester for taking their chance.”