Lymm 40, Birkenhead Park 0

NORTH Premier league leaders Lymm proved too strong for Birkenhead Park in the Cheshire derby at Crouchley Lane.

Park made a promising opening but, as has often been the case this season, were unable to turn the pressure into points.

The Park set piece was strong and they caused problems for the hosts in the scrum all afternoon.

Despite plenty of Park possession it was Lymm who were the more creative as they built up a comfortable first half lead with two tries from Richard McEvoy and singles from Ali Sutherland and Joe Watson three of which were converted by full back Cormac Nolan.

Park showed spirit in the second half with scrum-half Sam Chidley, winger Adam Wellington and number eight Ollie Mabbott all impressing.

Park could not find a way through the resolute home defence, but it was not until the final quarter that Lymm added to their score through two tries by stand off Will Titherington.

Park gave debuts off the bench to two newcomers centre Sam Heren from John Moores University who has joined from Durham City and flanker Mike Warren.

The scoreline was somewhat harsh on Park and they now have a week off before hosting fellow strugglers Morley the following week in what is a must win match if Park are to have a realistic chance of climbing the table.