Revenge is sweet as Park sail into next round

by Peter Greville

THERE was no repeat of last season's exit from the Powergen Intermediate Cup as Birkenhead Park gained revenge over Stockport in Saturday's second round tie.

Park made a number of changes with Paul Kay switching to scrum-half and Jon Brennand taking the vacant full-back slot. Skipper Phil Reynolds was still missing with a hand injury so Jimmy Grey continued at prop and Antony O'Keefe and debutant Tudor Owen joined the back row.

Birkenhead never really moved into top gear and it was not until the 25th minute that Stuart Crampton broke the deadlock with a penalty.

Stockport were struggling to contain the powerful Park pack and second row Ben O'Rourke scored the first home try following a line out catch and drive. Crampton, who was in great kicking form, converted and then added a penalty to give Birkenhead a 13-0 lead at half-time.

Crampton extended the lead early in the second-half with another penalty, but just as Park seemed to be cruising to victory Stockport struck twice in rapid succession with tries by scrum-half Joe Weeks and flanker Ed Fanning, with Mike Raven converting one.

The score was now 16-13 to Park, who then raised the tempo to take the game out of Stockport's reach. An excellent passing move involving Martin Sutton and Ben O'Rourke paved the way for a try by Jon Brennand, who joined the line from full-back.

Birkenhead then finished off in style with a well timed Crampton pass putting winger Steve Hancock clear to score under the posts. Crampton converted both second-half tries to cap an excellent all-round display. Crampton was just pipped for the man-of-the-match award by number 8 Dave Ibbotson, who has been in outstanding form this season.

Park used all their four substitutes with former North of England Under-18 hooker Stuart Brown making his senior debut as a second-half replacement for Darren Lucas.

This Saturday, Park return to league action with an important North One derby at West Park St Helens.