Eccles 6, Birkenhead Park 54

BIRKENHEAD Park were comfortable winners against basement side Eccles as they ran in eight tries to maintain their unblemished record in North 1 West.

Park had a new centre partnership with Gaz Coy resuming after injury paired with debutant Ollie Wharton.

Park were forced to reshuffle after only two minutes when flanker Luke Swan was forced off.

The versatile Matt Walls, who started his career as a hooker, switched from wing to back row with Sam Tyrer joining the backs.

After this early setback Park were quickly into their stride and a break by scrum-half Sam Chidley paved the way for a well taken try by Ollie Wharton.

George Oakey kicked a penalty for Eccles but Park second-row Paul Hellier was on hand to score the second try following a good break by Coy.

Midway through the half Oakey kicked a second home penalty but that proved to be the final score of the afternoon for Eccles as Park dominated.

Coy stripped the ball from his opposite number and good handling put Sam Tyrer over for the next try as Park went on the rampage.

A Simon Mason cross kick was fielded by winger Adam Wellington who was the next to cross and then good interplay between forwards and backs put Tyrer through for his second try.

Further good handling brought another try just before half time as Matt Walls finished off the move.

Park were 40-6 up at the break with the bonus point victory already assured.

Eccles worked hard in the second half to limit Park to just two more tries as Birkenhead lost their momentum to an extent.

The highlight of the second half was a fine individual try by 'Beef' Wellington who beat five players in a storming run from his own half.

The excellent Sam Chidley completed the try scoring, finishing off another lively move.

To make matters worse for the home side Simon Mason was in good form with the boot as he converted seven of the eight tries.

Park spokesman George Pollock said: "We played some great rugby in the first half but eased off a bit after the break.

"Overall, it was a satisfying win.

"Eccles may be bottom but they have had some close results and this was their heaviest defeat of the season."

Chidley and Coy were the pick of the Birkenhead backs with flanker Sean Mooney enjoying a fine game up front.

Park are away again on Saturday, making the short trip to West Park.