Birkenhead Park 50, Warrington 7

BIRKENHEAD Park returned to winning ways with an emphatic victory over Warrington at the Upper Park.

Following a closely fought first half Park hit top form after the break in an exhilarating display.

Warrington, who had been victorious on their previous visit, opened the scoring after 12 minutes when flanker Kellett crossed. Norman's conversion proved to be the final score of the afternoon for the visitors.

Park responded with a try by winger Adam Roscoe after the forwards recycled from a five metre line out.

The remainder of the half proved to be a closely-fought affair with Park edging ahead when scrum half Sam Chidley scored from close range following another catch and drive.

Park soon took control in the second half with a third try from a line out situation with skipper Ollie Mabbott crossing and Ollie Jacques converting.

Substitute winger Dave Morgan took his chance well for the next try which Jacques again converted and then Jacques got his own try after good interplay between forwards and backs.

A break by Laurence Thomas paved the way for a sixth home try by flanker Nick Lamming with Jacques adding the extras.

Warrington then had their best period of the half but Park managed to break out of their own 22 and replacement winger Hem Johal raced clear from his own half for a great score.

Park again attacked from the restart and Johal again beat the defence from long range for his second try. Jacques converted both as they brought up the half century.

This was a much improved display by Birkenhead and they will hope to take this form with them as they travel to Bowdon on Saturday for the first ever league fixture between the clubs.

Peter Greville