IN a tight contest between teams fourth and fifth in the league, it was the stronger set of forwards who won the day as Manchester beat Wirral 33-28. 

Wirral, with a much changed side, built a lead of 0-18 after 20 minutes, thanks to try from prop, Joe Adnams, and scrum half, Tom Akehurst, aided by the kicking of Jimmy Annetts.

In the period up to half time, Manchester responded with two converted tries of their own, greatly assisted by the weight of their forwards, who made gaps in the Wirral defence near the try line, to leave the score 14-18 at half time.

After half time, matters did not relent as Manchester then scored three more tries to leave them holding a 33-18 lead.

Towards the end of the game, Wirral came more into the game with another converted try from Akehurst, duly converted by Dan Harvey. This was followed in the last minutes of the game with a long 40m penalty from Jimmy Annetts which gave Wirral a losing bonus point.

Manchester now edge above Wirral in the league. Next week sees Wirral playing Anselmians at the Memorial Ground, kick off 2.15pm where there is sure to be a big crowd to see this local derby.