MAN OF MATCH: Park's David Blythe with his man-of-the-match award and (above, second picture) scoring one of his two touch downs. Other photos show Park , in the hooped shirts, in action at Twickenham. Pictures: gpaimages.com
Birkenhead Park . . . . . . . . . . . . 18pts
Chester . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21pts
A CRUEL twist late in the proceedings robbed Birkenhead Park of Twickenham glory on Saturday morning . . .
Park were leading and seemingly in command against their local rivals Chester in the EDF Energy Intermediate Cup Final.
But with just five minutes remaining and as they attacked their opponents line, Chester sub Simon Love intercepted and raced clear for a crucial match-winning try between the posts.
It finished 21-18 to the Hare Lane side, but really it was a game Park lost rather than Chester won.
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"It was a fantastic occasion but it was a cruel way to lose," said Park spokesman Peter Greville. "There was unbelievable support for both sides and it was tense throughout."
Park commanded up front, but Chester, who the previous week lifted the North Two West title, were always dangerous behind.
Tony Handley put over a second minute drop goal for Park and added a 17th minute penalty.
Chester scored a good try through Liam Lawton on 22 minutes to cut the advantage to a single point, but then David Blythe streaked clear from half-way for Park for a try converted by Handley.
A Tom Foden penalty for Chester made it 13-8 at the interval.
A couple of Foden penalties put Chester in front for the first time, but Blythe got his second Park touch down after forward pressure on 64 minutes to make it 18-14.
Handley only just failed with a drop goal attempt for Park before disaster struck in the 75th minute . . .
As Park tried to take advantage from an overlap situation in Chester territory, a pass went astray and was claimed by Love, who showed a clean pair of heels to the defenders for a try goaled by Foden.
There was no way back for Park as Chester defended aggressively to put their name on the trophy.
David Blythe took the Man-of-the Match Award. "I'd rather have had the win than the two tries and the award," said Blythe. "Chester defended aggressively and there was only one per cent between the sides. It was a pity we just missed out."
Undoubtedly, the defeat was tough on the Upper Park outfit who controlled the game for long spells but did not get enough points on the board.
But well done to Chester, who are back in North One with Park for next season.
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