Ilkley 17, Birkenhead Park 16
BIRKENHEAD Park lost out by a single point at Ilkley in their latest North Premier fixture and were unlucky not to come away victorious after a fighting display against the Yorkshire outfit.
After a scrappy opening by both sides Park's Simon Mason broke the deadlock with a penalty after 20 minutes only for Ilkley to hit straight back with a try from flanker Pat Power converted by Charles Morgan.
The match began to warm up as Mason crossed for the try, which he converted from wide out, from a Sam Chidley pass following good work by the forwards.
Ilkley went into the break with a 14-10 lead after winger Josh Hall beat the Park defence to score in the corner with Morgan again converting.
Park completely dominated possession in the second-half and really should have taken the spoils.
Mason put Park just a point behind with a penalty after 52 minutes but long periods of pressure went unrewarded and crucial decisions went against the visitors.
Park went close on numerous occasions before a rare incursion into the Birkenhead half brought Ilkley's only score of the second half, a penalty by Morgan.
Dave Hall narrowed the gap with a penalty but time ran out as Park searched in vain for the winning score.
For Park the veteran Mason was in commanding form at stand off but it was a good team effort with Chidley and Ollie Mabbott always to the fore.
Park spokesman George Pollock said: "We dominated possession particularly in the second half but we had no luck at all and just couldn’t get that winning score.
"A losing bonus point was scant reward for a good team display".
Park welcome Kendal to the Upper Park this Saturday and will want to put on a good display for the past players attending the annual reunion.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here