Birkenhead Park 55 Warrington 17

DESPITE missing key players through injury Birkenhead Park proved too strong for Warrington scoring nine tries and stretching their unbeaten start to the league season to eight games.

In a competitive first half Park soon had the Warrington scrum in trouble and the visitors conceded an early penalty try converted by Dave Hall.

Warrington gave notice of their intentions with a try by winger Beesley after eight minutes.

Some good interplay between backs and forwards stretched the Warrington defence and prop Matt Ibbotson finished with a well taken try.

Second row Josh Smith added to the home tally when he forced his way over following a five-metre scrum to extend the lead to 17-5 on the half hour.

Warrington moved the ball at every opportunity despite limited possession and they were rewarded with a try by scrum half Wood converted by Hockenhull to close the gap to just five points.

Park skip- per Jack Ashcroft was again in fine form and he crossed for the bonus point try just before half time to put Park 22-12 up at the interval.

Park increased the tempo at the start of the second half and good midfield play saw flanker Rob Doolan race through from thirty metres for a try under the posts.

With Hall departing at half time Dave Morgan moved up to stand off from full back and he did well with Adam Wellington taking over the kicking duties in the absence of Hall and Mason.

Wellington converted the Doolan try and then he stormed up the wing to create a good position from which scrum half Sam Chidley scored to give Wellington his second conversion.

Warrington substitute Lewis replied with a try but it was only a temporary respite as centre Matt Walls crossed mid way through the half with Wellington’s boot again adding the extras.

Centre Gaz Coy then used his power to good effect with another Park try as they dominated proceedings.

The final try came when Dave Morgan kicked out of defence and an inspired Wellington gathered the loose ball and put Walls clear for his second try and Wellington again converted to complete the scoring after 72 minutes.

Gaz Coy was named man of the match with Rob Doolan also out-standing on his return following long-term injury.

Director of Rugby Martin O’Keefe said: "It was another good win especially considering the injuries we have got.

"I am expecting our toughest assignment of the season so far when we travel to in form Burnage on Saturday and we will need to be at our best."

Park will hope to have Mason, Hall, Dave Ibbotson and Stuart Brown back in contention.