Birkenhead Park . . . 17pts

Lymm . . . . . . . . . . . 19ptsBIRKENHEAD Park failed at the first attempt in the EDF Intermediate Cup as they lost by two points to Lymm in Saturday's second round tie at the Upper Park.

The hosts dominated possession in the first-half but only had a Dave Hall penalty to show for their efforts. Lymm seized the initiative after the interval.

At 12-3 down, Park brought on the cavalry in the form of Alex Davies, Steve Dodd and Steve Clarke and they had an immediate impact. Park raised the tempo. Second row Paul Hellier crossed with Davies converting to close the gap to two points. But then Park were caught in possession and the visitors scored a converted try.

Facing a shock exit, Park came back strongly and a fine solo try by Steven Dodd, converted by Davies, brought Park to within two points of Lymm with eight minutes to play.

On the stroke of time, Alex Davies failed with a tricky penalty kick which would have brought Park victory.

There was a better display by the Wanderers in the Halbro Cup as they overwhelmed New Brighton 62-0.

Prop Marc Tyler opened the scoring and after a hard-fought first 30 minutes Park took complete control, with Ben MacPhearson and Greg Hughes scoring hat-tricks. Second row Joe Pollard was named man of the match.

This Saturday, Park have a tough North One League assignment at second-placed Kendal, while the Wanderers are again hosting New Brighton, this time in the Miller Homes Division One (kick-off 2.15 pm).