A WIRRAL team containing a number of changes for the long away trip to Billingham was not able to sustain its recent good form since the start of the season.

Playing against the strong wind in the first half it was Wirral who were soon under pressure from a workmanlike Billingham team, who were fielding their strongest side.

It was as early as the seventh minute that the home side took the lead when slick handling saw Martin Hopley score in the corner, converted by full back Evans.

Although Wirral counter-attacked and had good territorial possession they could not convert this into points.

Billingham then doubled their lead when winger Chris Hopkinson outpaced the Wirral defence to score wide out, again converted by Evans.

A further Wirral attack resulted in Dan Harvey scoring a penalty, thereafter Wirral battled away but only to concede two further tries in the first half through Evans and Burns to leave them with an uphill battle in the second half with Billingham leading 28-3.

In the second half, Wirral played with more determination and with the benefit of the wind the entire second half was virtually played in the Billingham half.

After 45 minutes sustained pressure led to Keith Mahon scoring, being converted by Dan Harvey.

In the final quarter of the game, Billingham played with 14 men as two players were sin binned as they gave way a number of penalties.

Wirral scored a push over try through Tom Parry to bring the score to 28-15.

Although Wirral were looking for the next converted try to give them a losing bonus point, it was not their day, as a determined Billingham battled to keep the opposition at bay.

Whilst the loss was disappointing, there are only so many matches that an under-strength side can play before the lack of playing together as a team tells, and Saturday proved to be a match too far.