WHILE the score does not suggest it, this was a highly-competitive match and Wirral had to work hard for their scores.

It was difficult to comprehend that Carlisle are lying fourth from bottom and seeking points to avoid relegation.

Wirral opened the scoring after 15 minutes through Rob Pearl following good work by the forwards, but Carlisle playing with the wind advantage hit back with a long-range penalty through Glen Weightman.

When Wirral went down to 14 men this was the catalyst for them scoring three converted tries in five minutes.

Carlisle came back strongly in the second half but could not break the resolute home defence.

Wirral ran in three further tries through Ali Baker, Sam Broadbent and Chris Speed all these being converted by James Annetts.

The final try coming with the last move of the game to leave the final score 47-3.

With Birkenhead Park winning at Vale of Lune 28-7 with a try bonus point this still leaves Wirral with a slender one point lead.