Birkenhead Park 33, Blackburn 18

BIRKENHEAD Park came out on top in an entertaining clash against Blackburn at the Upper Park in perfect autumnal conditions.

It looked ominous for Park as Blackburn went into an eleven-point lead with two penalties by Leon Fifefield and a well-taken try by centre Jack Swarbrick.

Park had virtually no possession in the first quarter as they struggled to contain a lively Blackburn start, but the game changed when Will Titherington made the running to put centre Carl Southern through for a try converted by Dave Hall.

Park grew in confidence and they took the lead when a great run by winger Elliot Madgin paved the way for a fine try by Titherington.

Park continued to press and Dave Hall increased the lead with a penalty before half time.

It was Park who began to dictate terms in the second half with some great attacking rugby.

Quick passing down the line put Madgin clear for the third home try and mid way through the second period good play by centre Matt Walls was finished in style by winger Hem Taylor to secure the bonus point try.

Ten minutes before time Walls then broke through himself for another rousing score.

Blackburn rarely threatened the home line until they broke clear for a consolation try by Marc Maher but it was Park who finished well-deserved victors.

Park's director of rugby, Martin O'Keefe, said: "we played some very attractive rugby and the fact that all the three-quarters scored was indicative of our approach.

"It was a great improvement from last week and we must carry this forward to next week's challenge." 

This Saturday, Park face a tough assignment when they travel to Douglas, Isle of Man to face a Manx team undefeated at home and having lost just once away.

Martin O'Keefe continued: "we will need to be at the top of our game if we are to get a return from this match, Douglas are obviously very strong and will be a real handful."