DMPRFC 24 v BIRKENHEAD PARK RFC 27

Mowden lost this game in the first half, when a mixture of sloppy defending and lack of concentration allowed Birkenhead Park to take a 3 – 12 lead to oranges.

Birkenhead Park started the better and after only five minutes crossed the whitewash and with the conversion added, it was hoped that Mowden would respond in kind. (0 – 7)

However, an horrendous ankle injury to Mowden hooker Will KAY stopped the match in its tracks and a significant delay ensued whilst the player received the appropriate medical attention, before being taken to hospital by ambulance.

The game resumed after a twenty minute delay and it was Mowden who started the better, with a re-shuffled pack, which entailed Chris STRONG entering the fray as hooker.

Gavin PAINTER grabbed a penalty, after Birkenhead strayed offside, which was a constant unchecked theme throughout (3 – 7)

Birkenhead responded with a try and at oranges, a score of 3 – 12, was probably deserved by the visitors.

Harsh words were the order of the day during oranges and it was hoped a revival of fortunes would be experienced after the break.

However, after ten minutes of interplay, Birkenhead added to their tally in the form of a well taken penalty (3 – 15)

As he has done so for most of the season, Robin EATOUGH scored an individual try out of nothing, scything his way to the line and making the afters a lot easier for his team mate Gavin PAINTER who converted. (10 – 15)

It was hoped that the revival would ensue, but a lack of concentration at the kick off allowed Birkenhead to restore a gap with their industrious hookers second try, which was converted. (10 – 22)

Entering the final quarter of the game, Mowden decided to enter into the festivities, upping their game as Birkenhead visibly weakened and thought of the bus journey home.

Chris STRONG showed his power as he straightened the line from wide out, trampled over a hapless defender and dived over. Gavin PAINTER converted. (17 – 22)

The game looked to be turning, when Birkenhead Park rallied one more time, scoring a try against the run of play. (17 – 27)

As time was running out, Ritchie YOUNG got in on the scoring, with a well taken try, again added to by Gavin PAINTER. (24 – 27)

There was some time left for a few passages of play as Mowden took the initiative, but not enough as Birkenhead kicked the ball out for time.

On the balance of the game, Birkenhead Park deserved the victory