Birkenhead Park . . . 20 pts

Penrith . . . . . . . . . . 19 ptsA SUPERB fight-back in the final quarter brought Birkenhead Park two more valuable points as they took a further step towards securing their North One League position for a sixth successive season.It will take a bizarre set of results for Park to go down now, but they can put the matter beyond all doubt with one point from either of their remaining games against New Brighton and Kendal.Park's crucial victory over Penrith was achieved only after a thrilling finale which saw Birkenhead come back from 19-0 down in the final 20 minutes.

Park started well and new South African centre Pieter Viljoen showed promise with a couple of early runs. However, it was Penrith who took the upper hand with two quick tries before half-time through number 8 Mike Raine and winger Dennis Bibby, with a conversion by Steve Wood.

Penrith extended their lead with a third try by second row Paul Lowes, again converted by Wood, and there looked to be no way back for Park. Flanker Danny Jones was instrumental in turning the game as he touched down after a driving maul.

There was still a mountain to climb, but Park were given real hope when winger Greg Hughes won the race to touch down following a kick ahead to make it 19-10 with 10 minutes left.

Jones then broke away from a maul to race 20 metres for try number three and Tony Handley converted to put Park only two points behind as the game went into injury time.

Birkenhead still had time to launch a final attack and a now disjointed Penrith were penalised in a vain attempt to stop Park gaining possession. Handley made no mistake with the penalty as Park took the lead for the first time in the 81st minute.

In addition to Jones , Jon Shudall worked tirelessly in the back row and Marc Harris did well in an unaccustomed role at full-back.

Park have no game this week, but the following Saturday they will be in action in a North One derby at New Brighton.