FOR this re-arranged game at Sheffield Tigers played in difficult conditions after all the snow from last week had melted, Wirral travelled with a depleted squad against a strong home side.

Playing against the wind in the first half, Tigers made a number of threatening attacks but were repelled by Wirral and the home side relied on two long range penalties to give them an early 6-0 lead.

Wirral came more into the game and were rewarded with a penalty by James Annetts and this was followed by the away side being camped on the Tigers line for a few minutes but could not make that pressure count.

With a score line of 6-3 down with half time approaching the coaching staff were pleased with the performance to date.

However on the stroke of half time the home side scored a try in the corner which increased the lead to 11-3.

The second half saw Wirral with little possession coupled with injuries to the two props and the replacement prop, which reduced any sustained pressure that could be put on the Tigers scrum.

The home side with the superior possession then ran the ball at every opportunity and with elusive running in the backs and missed tackles helped themselves to six further tries of which three were converted and a penalty in the last play of the game to bring up the 50 points.

This was a stronger and different side that came to Wirral earlier in the season and coupled with a weakened Wirral team were able to exploit the gulf between the two sides.

Next week Wirral are at home to Billingham in a must win game where a number of returning players will be in contention for first team places.