Pocklington 15 Birkenhead Park 23

BIRKENHEAD Park started the New Year in promising fashion with a well-deserved away victory at fellow strugglers Pocklington.

Defences dominated in a tight first half with Dave Hall kicking an early penalty before home centre Ben Thoy scored the opening try converted by Christian Pollock.

A fine run by centre Lucas Titherington put Park ahead again five minutes before half-time with Hall converting.

Pocklington drew level with a Pollock penalty early in the second half but Hall responded a few minutes later to restore Park's three point advantage.

Park enjoyed a good period of pressure but the home defence stood firm until a sustained forward drive resulted in a try for prop Liam Sharples again converted by Hall to give Park a ten point cushion.

Park were unlucky to have a further effort by substitute Gaz Coy disallowed and when Thoy grabbed his second try the game was still up for grabs going into the last ten minutes.

A Dave Hall penalty put Park two scores ahead as they held firm for a much needed victory.

Flanker Sean Mooney had an outstanding match for Park with good support from Sam Chidley and Adam Wellington but it was an all round team effort that earned the spoils.

Park will need to be at their best when they welcome unbeaten leaders Preston Grasshoppers to the Upper Park this week. (2.15pm kick off)