Waterloo 2nd XV . . . . . . . 8 pts Birkenhead Park . . . . . . 38 pts

AFTER a month of enforced inactivity, Birkenhead Park eventually returned to action on Saturday against Waterloo's 2nd XV at Blundellsands. Park were grateful for the chance of some badly needed match practice.

It was a nostalgic return to Blundellsands for Park coaches Sean Gallagher and Simon Wright, as well as players Peter Hart, Jason Gilbert and Jon Brennand, all of whom have had spells at Waterloo during their playing careers.

It took Park a while to blow away the cobwebs, but it was Jason Gilbert who opened the scoring with a try and conversion from his own chip through after 22 minutes. Ten minutes later, Dave Ibbotson broke away from a ruck on the 22-metre line to charge over following good work by Steve Clarke, with Gilbert again converting. Waterloo responded with a penalty, but a fine backs move saw Paul Kay cross in the corner for a further Park try. With half-time approaching, Waterloo scored their only try through Ed Ledson, who also coaches the Park under-15 team, to make the score 8-19 at the break.

Gilbert started the second-half with a penalty for the visitors before scoring his second try of the afternoon from a quick tap penalty.

As the game entered the final quarter, Park moved the ball around with confidence and Kay also scored his second try.

Forwards and backs combined well before Peter Hart sent Nick Wright in for the final try to complete a good afternoon for the Upper Park outfit.

For Park, skipper of the day Phil Reynolds led by example and he was well supported in loose play by fellow prop Steve Clarke, while Ben O'Rourke ruled the line-outs.

Birkenhead still have a further wait before the league match against West Park at home on February 1, but they hope to arrange another friendly game for this Saturday.