AN intriguing South Lancashire/Cheshire One League derby on a spring-like afternoon at Malone Field deservedly went the way of Anselmians, but it was a close call in the end as New Brighton roared back into contention in the second period.

It finished 36-27 but the Blues, who trailed 3-16 at the break, got it back to 22-22 by the end of the third quarter and themselves looked the more likely winners at this stage.

Long-serving player / coach Simon Mason was influential for the winners, landing three first-half penalties and also adding the extras after an excellent try via Ollie Wharton.

Brighton had struck the first blow with a Joe Silcock penalty but looked out of sorts for much of the opening period.

Early pressure after the break led to a Luke Thompson touchdown for the seasiders, but Mason replied with a penalty to make it 19-8.

Poor defending allowed Phil Buckley and Vinny Dutton to get over for the Blues with both conversions via the boot of Silcock.

In between, Mason punished the visitors for an error with a successful kick and the scores were level at 22-22.

Mason’s long pass on the hour set Tom Price up for a fine home try, which was converted by Mason, but it was game on again as sustained New Brighton pressure paved the way for a Glen Lynch touchdown.

At 29-27 it was anybody’s for the taking but the Saints held their nerve and a forward-based second try from Wharton, converted by Mason, sealed victory.

In the same division Hoylake were on the receiving end at Glossop where it finished 27-12 to the home side.

Caldy put up a stout showing to win 19-17 at Preston Grasshoppers — their third win in National Two North. All matches to date have been away from home and they are sixth in the table.

Birkenhead Park in National Three North secured an amazing 36-35 victory away to Huddersfield YM, with whom they were promoted last season.

It looked all over with the Yorkshire side leading 35-19 into the final quarter. But Park dug deep.

Ollie Brown gained two tries as the pack drove over from line-outs. Then Adam Wellington went in and it was down to Danny Rich to tip the balance with the conversion.

In the first period Steve Lowry, Peter Doolan and Ollie Mabbutt touched down for Park with a brace of conversions from Alan Hughes.

Huddersfield scored four tries in all plus three conversions and a trio of penalties in a fascinating encounter, while Wirral just missed out at Sheffield Tigers 10-16 in the same division but collected a losing bonus point.

Prenton and Oxton Parkonians played out a thrilling but tense 24-24 Wirral derby in Merseyside West at Prenton Dell. There were four tries apiece and also two conversions each.

Terry Williams (2) and Alan Williams along with Dan Blythe went in for Parks.

The first named added the two conversions but missed a late penalty which would have brought victory.

The other derby went the way of Wallasey 31-15 against Port Sunlight.

Oldershaw were thrashed 5-80 at Ruskin Park, who look to be too strong for this division.

Caldy play their first home game of the season this Saturday with Broadstreet the visitors to Paton Field, while Birkenhead Park take on Sheffield Tigers at the Upper Park and Wirral have Lymm as their opposition at Clatterbridge.