Sandal 29, Birkenhead Park 33

BIRKENHEAD Park finished their North Premier league campaign with an exciting away victory at Sandal, the winning score coming in the last minute of the match.

Park started well but, as has happened far too often this season, lost possession and Sandal broke away for a long range score from winger Simon Frewin after just three minutes.

The Park forwards began to exert their authority and after a period of sustained pressure centre Lucas Titherington crossed for Park's first try, Simon Mason added the extras to put Park into the lead.

Park increased their advantage when skipper Jack Ashcroft touched down after more good forward play but Sandal centre Steve Nelson hit back with a second home try improved by James Ellar.

Just before half time a spectacular try from Chris McNoe converted by Mason restored Park's nine-point lead.

McNoe received the ball on the Sandal 10-metre line and he side stepped two home defenders to score under the posts.

Sandal closed the gap as Nelson broke through for his second try but Lucas Titherington also grabbed his second for Park to keep the visitors two scores ahead approaching the final quarter.

Sandal then had their best spell and tries from James Ellar and Declan Thompson with a Nelson conversion put the Yorkshiremen three point ahead.

As time ran out Park were not to be denied and following a powerful driving maul it was flanker Martin Donnelly who claimed the winning try in stoppage time, Mason converted to complete the scoring.

Park's bonus point win moved them above Morley in the table as the season finished on a high note.

Chris McNoe took the man of the match award in his final game before returning to New Zealand.

Director of rugby Martin O'Keefe said: "We had a good finish to the campaign with two wins and a try bonus point last week but, unfortunately, we were just not consistent enough over the whole season."

Apart from McNoe, fellow Kiwi Liam Sharples and front row colleagues James Millward and Pete Doolan all impressed together with scrum half Sam Chidley who has enjoyed an outstanding season for Park.