BIRKENHEAD Park battled bravely for a 25-12 victory over Lymm in a club clash, on Saturday. They trailed 10-12 at the break, but finished strongly.

They were awarded a penalty try and there were also touch downs for Neil Brelsford and Chris Wainwright. Tom Mapp landed two conversions and a penalty, while Will Pritchett notched a drop goal.

Oldershaw went under 11-20 at home to leaders Chester in a Thwaites North West League Division One clash after leading narrowly at the break.

Although the score slightly flatters the visitors, the home side did themselves no favours in what was a closely fought game. Oldershaw struggled to adapt to the referee's style of play and allowed Chester to deny them early first and second phase ball which led to some frantic and poor handling by the backs.

Oldershaw's defence was left wanting, with weak tackling allowing the visitors to break through and score their tries. Oldershaw's only try came from broken midfield play which the forwards secured.

The ball was passed out quickly along the line for Steve Myerhoff to run in untroubled on the wing. Will Gardner missed the conversion, but kicked two penalties.

Oldershaw are now without league fixtures, but are not treating it as time off. They take on Liverpool St Helens this Saturday.

Wirral, in South Lancashire/Cheshire League Division One, edged home 12-11 at Crewe and Nantwich in a game played under attrocious conditions. Crewe got the only try, but four penalties by Simon Hignett were just enough for the Clatterbridge outfit.

Anselmians won a 'derby' at Parkonians 10-3 thanks to a try by Nick Spierpoint and a penalty by Tony Neville. Paul Brown landed a penalty for the losers. Prenton crushed Park Wanderers 63-0. Gary Fisher, Carl Salisbury and Peter Lewis had two tries apiece.

Wallasey and Port Sunlight both went out of the Cheshire Plate in the preliminary round. Wallasey failed 8-11 against Marple, with Ben O'Donnell crossing and Kevin Parker kicking a penalty.

Port Sunlight had to settle for a Steve Cooke try in a 5-16 home reverse at the hands of Isle of Man visitors Nomads.

Birkenhead Park are due at Whitchurch on Saturday and Wirral go to Ormskirk.

Wirral beat Prenton 10-6 at the start of the Homebase Cup competition at Parkonians and Birkenhead Park were conceeded their first round match by Shell Stanlow. This Sunday Caldy meet Helsby and Chester take on St Edwards.

Converted for the new archive on 13 March 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.