Wirral 32 Alnwick 15

IN this bottom-of-the-table clash it was a first half five-star performance from Wirral which set them up for their third league victory of the season.

With all the pressure coming from the home side, chances were missed until captain, Craig Harvey dummied his way over from 10m out to score the first try which he also converted and then they doubled their lead when a delayed pass from Craig put Chris Crowley through the gap to score under the posts to give a 14-0 lead.

A penalty extended the lead and then with Alnwick down to 14 men declined an easy three points to score their third try with quick passing down the backs to allow Joe Probert to squeeze in at corner.

At this stage, captain Harvey had to leave the field with a shoulder injury following a late tackle.

In the final minutes of the half, Wirral continued to attack and quick play in the opponents 20m area enabled debutant winger, Dave King to cross in the corner to give Wirral a deserved 27-0 lead at half time as well as their try scoring bonus point.

The second half started in much the same vein and after seven minutes of the half, Joe Probert went in for his second try in the corner 32-0.

At this stage various injuries to the Wirral players restricted the fluency seen in the first half and could not continue to exercise the stranglehold that they had in the first half.

Penalties in Alnwick's favour enabled them to gain a position in Wirral’s 20m area where swift passing enabled winger, Hugh Todd to cross in the corner in the 63rd minute.

Six minutes later the opposite winger, Peter Moralee crossed for Alnwick's second try - although this was debatable as to whether he had put a foot in touch.

The final play of the game which was scrappy and a number of errors resulted in a third try for Alnwick to give some form of gloss to their sides 32-15 defeat.

With more clinical passing by Wirral the margin could have been greater but it was pleasing to see the two new wingers getting on the score sheet.

This win improves Wirral's position in the league in what has been a difficult season for them due to injuries.