Wirral Rugby Round-up with Andrew Stratton

PRENTON'S excellent winning run in South Lancashire and Cheshire League Division Four finally came to an end at the 16th hurdle at Congleton.

Four penalties won it for the home side 12-10 with Prenton managing a Graham Davies try converted by Mark Astbury, who also hit one penalty.

Prenton remain clear at the head of the table.

Port Sunlight went to town against Helsby to stride home 51-5. Terry McManus crossed three times and Chris McGrath and Jim Roberts twice each. Adam Metcalfe and Nigel Ward were others to breach the inadequate Helsby rearguard. There were three successful conversions.

Parkonians, in Division Three, looked to be in a winning position against Oswestry, but it all went wrong as the visitors ran in two late converted tries. Paul Wigfield touched down for Parks with Paul Topping landing a penalty.

Wallasey boosted hopes of Division Two survival with a 20-0 triumph over St Edwards. Paul Lewis, Paul Haines and Keith Mahon helped themselves to tries, with Lewis adding one conversion and a penalty.

Anselmians, in Division One, saw off promotion-chasing Leigh 26-17. Much of it was down to the kicking of Murray King, who succeeded with a trio of penalties, two conversions and a drop goal. Paul Kelly and Andy Clarke, from an interception deep in his own territory, managed tries.

Oldershaw could not cap a big day at Belvidere with victory over Broughton Park in a first-ever meeting between the clubs. Gavin Scott did manage a try converted by Rob Roughley, who also targeted three penalties, but Broughton won 30-16 with ex-New Brighton man Tom Mapp securing a try, two conversions and two penalties.

Ahead of the game, Oldershaw paid tribute to two stalwarts who died last year. A plaque was unveiled in the lounge dedicating the clubhouse to the memory of founder member Dick Plowright, who played and then served in just about every position in the club.

The bar was re-named 'Albert's' after long serving player and club worker Albert Williams. A display case with his shirt and photograph was also put in place.

Meanwhile, Wirral fell 17-26 at Vagabonds, Isle of Man. Dan Harvey and Matt Slater managed tries and Harvey both conversions and a penalty, but kicking won it in the end for the islanders.

Hoylake were out of sorts at home to Northwich and were on the wrong end of a 37-0 beating.

There are no scheduled league matches this weekend, but there could be some re-arranged fixtures.