BIRKENHEAD PARK RUGBY REPORT
BROUGHTON PARK 52 BIRKENHEAD PARK 5
Birkenhead came a distant second best in the battle of the two Park’s in North 1 West as Broughton ran away with proceedings.
Birkenhead had two early attacks but on both occasions lost line out possession and it was Broughton who opened the scoring when second row Joe Noon crossed with Alistair Duddell converting after nine minutes.
It was a woeful first half for the visitors who were a shadow of the side that had played so well against Stockport in the previous outing. Park failed to get out of first gear as Broughton impressed with some great attacking rugby and support play. Former Birkenhead player Sam Bryan grabbed the second home try from the wing and Noon finished off another flowing move for his second try. Centre Joe Sinclair was next to cross and then stand off Duddell cut through on the stroke of half time and his conversion gave Broughton an emphatic 33-0 half time lead.
Broughton had dominated possession with the Birkenhead set piece uncharacteristically under pressure. Director Of Rugby Martin O’Keefe brought himself on for the second half and he immediately had an impact with some strong driving play. With Park at last gaining decent possession the second half was more competitive but it was Broughton who continued the scoring when they broke away for substitute Andy Wilson to touch down.
Good defence kept Birkenhead at bay and then Bryan went over for his second try against his former colleagues. Birkenhead did eventually manage a try through substitute Matt Gillam after good work by O’Keefe but it was no consolation as Bryan had the last say as he completed his hat trick.
Park were not helped by injury as they lost lock Paul Hellier early in the match and later Hem Johal and Titherington in the backs. Martin O’Keefe said “ we were just not at the races at the start of the match and were made to pay the penalty. Credit to Broughton as they played some excellent rugby which belies their low position in the league. We will have to get back to basics this week as we prepare for the visit of league leaders Carlisle “.
Kick off against Carlisle is 2.15pm at the Upper Park on Saturday.
