Birkenhead Park 34, Penrith 5

BIRKENHEAD Park kept up their New Year momentum with another emphatic victory at home against Penrith.

Park had the perfect start when Peter Doolan won the ball back from the kick off, the ball was quickly moved wide and fullback Dai Morgan scampered in for a try in the corner.

Penrith then had a prolonged spell of pressure in the Park 22, which required some resolute defending with Matt Walls leading the way with some bone crunching tackles.

Attack after attack was repelled as Penrith pushed for a score.

Park defence stood firm and when they did regain the ball Adam Wellington scored a well worked move off a lineout to extend Parks lead to 10-0.

Two further try's followed in the half, Lucas Titherington ran in a long range effort after the home side had turned the Cumbrians over on the half way line.

Number eight Ollie Mabbott crashed over from close range, which Will Titherington converted to give the home side a 22-0 lead at the break.

Penrith started the second half in determined mood but couldn't take their chances as Park continued their resolute defensive effort.

Winger Hem Johal finished off a lovely team move to extend Park's lead to 27 points.

The Cumbrians did eventually score a deserved try when flanker Raine burrowed over after a driving maul.

Any hope of a comeback was thwarted when Winger Matt Walls caught the ball from the kick off and ran in a fantastic solo try, which Will Titherington converted to leave the final score 34-5.

Park spokesman George Pollock said: "I was delighted with the display particularly our defence which was outstanding all afternoon.

"We've started 2019 in impressive form and I hope it can continue".

For Park, Adam Wellington again enjoyed an excellent game and Number eight Ollie Mabbott and winger Matt Walls also impressed in another good team display.

This Saturday, Park take a break from league action but travel to local rivals Wirral in a Cheshire Vase semi-final.