Birkenhead Park 15, Warrington 19

BIRKENHEAD Park had a disappointing start to the North 1 West season as they suffered a home defeat to Warrington.

After a good pre-season Park had hoped to open the league campaign with a victory, but they had to settle for a losing bonus point after poor discipline proved costly.

Park started on the front foot but strong tackling by the visitors thwarted the early Park pressure.

Warrington then struck against the run of play when winger Beesley showed a clean pair of heels as he rounded the Park defence on the outside with Gilooly converting.

Simon Mason kicked a penalty on the half hour and then Park took the lead with a try by winger Sam Tyrer after good work by Lucas Titherington with Mason again on target with the conversion.

Park looked to take control in the second half but they were unable to dominate and Warrington took advantage of Park’s repeated infringements as Gilooly kicked four penalties.

Park did manage a well-worked second try for Sam Tyrer but it was not enough as Warrington deservedly took the spoils.

Park Director of Rugby Martin O'Keefe said: "This was not the start we were looking for and we need to improve quickly if we are to have a successful season." 

This Saturday, Park travel to Blundellsands to renew rivalries with one of their oldest opponents Waterloo.