Birkenhead Park 31, Waterloo 21

BIRKENHEAD Park took the honours in the Merseyside derby clash against Waterloo at the Upper Park.

The visitors were quickly into the lead with a penalty by Daragh O'Brian, but Dave Hall equalised after 17 minutes.

Waterloo looked the more dangerous side with the back three of O’Brian, Roberts and Allen a constant threat.

Waterloo took the lead again when second row Jack Weir exploited poor midfield defence to race over for the opening try which was converted by O’Brian.

Park responded immediately and following a period of sustained pressure flanker Sean Mooney crossed and Hall's conversion levelled matters 10 all at half time.

The entertaining match continued in much the same vein in the second half with both sides striving for dominance.

Winger Johnny Roberts soon gave Waterloo the lead again with a try in the corner, but centre Ollie Jacques finished off a lively Park move with Hall's conversion edging the home side ahead.

O'Brian kicked a penalty but Park moved further ahead when lock Jack Ashcroft drove over after a good period of pressure.

O'Brian kicked another penalty but a second Jacques try sealed the victory for Park.

Director of rugby Martin O'Keefe said: "it was a good contest but we eventually got on top and thoroughly deserved the victory I thought."

Former skipper Jack Ashcroft took the man of the match award after a determined performance.

This Saturday Park travel to Cumbria to take on league newcomers Keswick, a side Park have not played for over 30 years.