Birkenhead Park 3, Hull 50

BIRKENHEAD Park were unable to contain promotion-chasing Hull in their latest North Premier fixture.

Hull made a lively start, but some terrific home defence repelled the early attacks. 

Then Park had a good period of pressure but could not get the ball over the try line.

The visitors struck first midway through the first half when flanker Rupert Kay scored with Reece Dean converting.

The Park scrum was proving a real handful for the Hull eight and following more home pressure Dave Hall kicked a penalty.

A second Hull try by number eight Joe Stafford gave the visitors a 12-3 lead at half-time to conclude a hard fought first half.

Hull raised the tempo in the second half and outclassed the home team with some excellent attacking rugby.

Park were unable to secure good ball and Hull enjoyed territorial advantage as winger Stephen Hihetah helped himself to four tries with centres Tomasi Tanumi and Alex Heard also getting in on the act.

Dean added four more conversions as Hull reached the half century.

Park's prop Peter Doolan made his 100th appearance with Ollie Mabbott named Park man of the match.

Director of Rugby Martin O'Keefe said: "Hull were too good for us on the day and after a close first half they ran away with it in the second half.

"We will continue to work hard at improving and will be looking for a return from our next match."

On a brighter note Park provided three players, skipper Jack Ashcroft, scrum half Sam Chidley and back rower Ollie Mabbott to the new Cheshire Harvesters side who defeated their Lancashire counterparts. Park are at home again this Saturday when they welcome another Yorkshire side Ilkley. 

Kick off is 2.15pm at the Upper Park.