BIRKENHEAD Park notched a third successive victory in National Three North by defeating joint leaders Middlesbrough 19 -14 at the Upper Park. Park have developed a habit this season of building first half leads only to let the opposition back in contention in the second half. This has produced a series of exciting clashes and the match against Boro was no exception as the fans were treated to another thriller – the only difference being that Park reversed the trend. This time they found themselves 14-0 adrift at half-time, a scoreline which was somewhat harsh and left Birkenhead with a considerable mountain to climb after the break. A fired up home side began the second half in determined mood with a Dave Hall penalty. Prop Martin O’Keefe then stormed over for a try after sustained home pressure with Hall converting. Half-backs Steve Lowry and Tony Handley were influential as Park dominated play but they had to rely on the steady boot of Dave Hall, who kicked three further penalties to claim victory and keep Park in contention at the top of the table. This Saturday Park travel to leaders Morley confident of causing an upset and establishing their own promotion credentials in the process. Director of rugby John McNally said: “ We at last produced a second half performance of merit and we had to do so to win this one. “It was another nail-biter and I’m not sure that the nerves will take much more of this. “I’m sure if we could play to our potential for a full 80 minutes then there is no one in the league we need fear, and what better place to do so than at leaders Morley on Saturday? We will be working hard towards building this consistency into our play.” The Park Wanderers just lost out to rivals Chester 29-24 in the Bateman BMW Premiership. The Tigers continued their unbeaten run with an emphatic 65-0 victory in a rearranged match with Capenhurst first XV but the Lions lost a thriller 31-32 against Northwich thirds. There was a welcome win for the Park Junior Colts, 15-8 against Aldwinians, but the Senior Colts lost at Penrith 31-10 despite a brave effort. The Park Panthers ladies team drew 5-5 with Liverpool University Freshers in their latest outing as they build on a very promising start. The Panthers are indebted to the Peter Johnson Foundation for supplying their new playing kit and they can now lay claim to being the best dressed team around. | 
