Park go third in table

by Peter Greville

A POWERFUL display by Birkenhead Park saw them completely outplay Sheffield, scoring eight tries to three and passing the 50-point mark for the second time in five North One games.

Sheffield scored first with a try by centre Adams, who looked dangerous all afternoon, and this only served to spur Park into more action. The Park back row unit of Jon Shudall, Danny Jones and Dave Ibbotson was the key, combining to great effect in attack and defence.

Stuart Crampton kicked a penalty to open Park's account and then Shudall scored the opening try after a lively move involving Martin Sutton and Steve Hancock. Not to be outdone, Ibbotson and Jones also scored after tremendous driving by the Park pack.

Just before half-time, Shudall split the defence with a great run before passing on to the supporting Sutton for a spectacular try which gave Park a 25-7 advantage at the break.

Soon after the restart, winger Marc Harris scored the try of the match with a fine break from 40-metres which left the Sheffield defence floundering and then prop Steve Clarke extended the lead further with the sixth try.

Sheffield managed two tries through the Cox brothers , John and Chris, but in between Chris Saverimutto went over for Birkenhead.

Replacement hooker Darren Lucas claimed the final touchdown as he finished off yet another forward drive. Peter Hart kicked the touchline conversion to complete a very satisfactory afternoon for Birkenhead which saw them move up to third place in the North One table.

Park are at home again this Saturday (October 16), when they take on Stockport in a Powergen Intermediate Cup second round tie. Park will be seeking to avenge last season's defeat by Stockport in the same competition.