New Brighton 52, Winnington Park 20

WHAT a season it has been for Wirral's premier Rugby Union team New Brighton. After clinching the championship and promotion to the National league last week, the Blues have done the double with a convincing 52-20 rout of Winnington Park to clinch the Cheshire Senior Cup, writes Colin Bentley.

"This is an impressive result," said Blues Coach Lawrie Connor after the game. "You don't score 52 points past a National League club like that unless you are a pretty good side yourself." The coach's comments summed up a fine afternoon for New Brighton who outplayed, outran, out-thought and outscored their most illustrious opponents in an impressive display that could easily have put 70 points on the board.

Guest opened the scoring for the Blues, only for the National League side to forge ahead, 3-10. 'Captain Courageous' Kevin Brookman powered forward for a try, converted by Guest to level the scores at 10-10.

Ian 'Wirral Wizard' Kennedy burst through to score, converted by Guest for 17-10, then both sides each scored a penalty. Winnington scored a try which was converted, but the Blues had the half-time advantage leading 27-20.

The Blues were invincible in the second half. Geoff Jones crossed to score, followed by a spectacular Rob Harman try. Wright dropped a goal, then Guest scored and converted on 69 minutes stretching the lead to 47-20.

New Brighton had four tries disallowed before Kennedy rounded off a superb personal performance with an electric burst of pace to score on 79 minutes for a final score of 52-20.

A huge blue and white marquee has been erected at Reeds Lane as New Brighton prepares for a two week party celebration. A five day beer festival, Sportsman's Dinner, May Ball, Line Dancing, and Club Celebration Dinner are planned.

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