BIRKENHEAD PARK......125

ST BENEDICTS.............0

Birkenhead Park produced an incredible display as they totally demolished visitors St Benedicts from Whitehaven who were making their first ever visit to the Upper Park.

This was a record-breaking performance being the biggest ever Park league score and the 19 tries was also a league best for the club.  

Thirteen of the 18-man match squad scored tries which was another record as was Dave Hall’s 15 conversions.

Park were ahead after just two minutes when good work by Laurence Thomas set up centre Gaz Coy who forced his way over the line.

Four minutes later Coy cut back inside to breach the Cumbrian’s defence again and then scrum half Sam Chidley raced clear from 40 metres for the third try.

Park had the bonus point in the bag after only twelve minutes when Number 8 Ollie Mabbott got the fourth try.

Park completely monopolised possession and produced some great handling in the perfect conditions.

Chidley grabbed his second when he fooled the visitor’s defence with a dummy before cutting through from 20 metres.

Further tries followed from hooker Stu Brown, skipper Jack Ashcroft and centre Billy Woof.

The half finished with prop James Millward diving between the posts for try number eleven as Park turned round with an amazing 71-0 lead.

Park did not let up in the second half as they continued to run in tries at will. Brown grabbed his second ,as did Woof, and Chidley completed his hat trick.

Second row Thomas also scored and substitute Tom Dempsey got in on the act too. Dave Hall touched down as he claimed a personal tally of 35 points.

Winger Adam Wellington gained the penultimate try with substitute prop Jack Mason completing the rout. The referee blew for no side some ten minutes early to finally put St Benedicts out of their misery.

Director of Rugby Martin O’Keefe said: "We couldn’t quite believe what we were watching and this was a different St Benedicts side to the one who ran us close a few weeks ago.

"We played some great rugby and hopefully we can take confidence into the last three games and secure the play off position.”

Park now need six points from their last three games to make sure of a home play off.

They travel to unbeaten league leaders Kirkby Lonsdale on Saturday and will hope to put up a good display and at least return with a bonus point.