Birkenhead Park 25, Broughton Park 19

BIRKENHEAD Park overcame the strong challenge of Broughton Park as they inflicted the first defeat of the year on the Manchester side.

Dave Hall opened the scoring with a penalty after 13 minutes but two driving maul tries saw the visitors move into the lead with Rory Blakeney-Edwards converting one.

Just before half-time lock John Barrowcliffe hit back with Birkenhead's first try to leave them four points adrift at half time.

Birkenhead gave a much improved performance in the second half with some excellent tactical kicking helping keep Broughton on the defence for long periods.

Park took the lead when a forward drive saw skipper Jack Ashcroft touch down with Hall converting.

Park never looked back and when Liam Sharples grabbed the third Birkenhead try, again converted by Hall, they put the match out of reach.

Dave Morgan came on for the injured Titherington and showed some neat touches as he celebrated his 100th appearance.

A late try by number eight Patrick O'Donnell secured Broughton a losing bonus point but it was a well deserved win for Birkenhead who avenged their heaviest defeat of the season.

John Barrowcliffe took the man of the match award after a powerful display in the pack and Dave Hall was also in good form at full back for Birkenhead.

There is no league programme next week as the Six Nations finale takes precedence in the clubhouse.

The following week Park travel to Cumbria to take on the league leaders Carlisle.