TWICKENHAM here we come! That was the message from the Upper Park at the weekend after a magnificent victory by Birkenhead Park at Bracknell in the semi-finals of the countrywide EDF Energy Intermediate Cup.
And it will be an all-northern final at headquarters on Saturday, April 12. Cheshire county rivals Chester will provide the opposition after seeing off the challenge of Newport at Hare Lane.
It was an enthralling match at Lily Hill Park. Birkenhead triumphed 16-12 with the result in the balance throughout. The lead changed three times and Park had to endure 10 minutes of added time before the celebrations began.
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"It is an absolutely fantastic achievement - unbelievable," said Park spokesman Peter Greville. "Everbody was very nervous, but we wanted it more than they did. It is wonderful for the club."
Bracknell, at the head of South West One League, had only lost twice all season and stepped out as clear favourites on home soil. But Park refused to be overawed and, although they conceded two tries, they generally defended superbly and took their own chances when they arrived.
There were some fine individual performances, but overall it was a team effort which carried the day.
It was close all the way through. Park survived two periods when they had a player in the sin bin and grabbed the lead after half an hour. Tony Handley chipped through and, as the ball bounded badly for Bracknell, Mark McKeon grabbed possession and went past two defenders for an excellent try converted by Handley.
The home side responded five minutes later when Tongan Jervis Manupenu set up Olly Jones for an unconverted touch down.
On the stroke of half-time, Handley struck a penalty to make it 10-5 to Park.
Bracknell took the lead five minutes into the second period, with Rudal Aiona going over from a driving maul and Ben Newak adding the extras.
Handley struck almost immediately with a kick from 35 metres to swing the balance back to Park 13-12. But then they had to survive a period of intense home pressure with the defence fantastic.
Park then enjoyed a good spell themselves and another Handley penalty on 70 minutes stretched their lead.
There is no let-up for Birkenhead. While most clubs enjoy an Easter break, they will be taking on Macclesfield in the Lees Cheshire Cup Final at Chester on Easter Saturday (kick-off 3pm).
Hello
If anyone is in the know about rugby then they will know Steve Prescott who was at St Helens then moved to Hull and now sadly is fighting that invasion of cancer.
On the 10th May at T.R.F.C International hypnotist Suzie Gibb and International recording Star Ricky Valance will be performing a cabaret evening at T.R.F.C The Belmont suite. ONE NIGHT ONLY. We will be holding a raffle and other items and money raised will go to A.P.H. baby unit and also Steve Prescott foundation, this foundation in itself raises money for the rugby benevolent fund and cancer so if you are able to circulate this for me i would delighted.
tickets for the event are available online at www.hamptonhypnosis.
com and click on uk shows.
Many will remember Ricky for his hit single...Tell Laura I love her.
As for the comedy hypnotist, you need to come and see the show.
Thank you to all who read
Hello
If anyone is in the know about rugby then they will know Steve Prescott who was at St Helens then moved to Hull and now sadly is fighting that invasion of cancer.
On the 10th May at T.R.F.C International hypnotist Suzie Gibb and International recording Star Ricky Valance will be performing a cabaret evening at T.R.F.C The Belmont suite. ONE NIGHT ONLY. We will be holding a raffle and other items and money raised will go to A.P.H. baby unit and also Steve Prescott foundation, this foundation in itself raises money for the rugby benevolent fund and cancer so if you are able to circulate this for me i would delighted.
tickets for the event are available online at www.hamptonhypnosis.
com and click on uk shows.
Many will remember Ricky for his hit single...Tell Laura I love her.
As for the comedy hypnotist, you need to come and see the show.
Thank you to all who read
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