Waterloo 38, Birkenhead Park 22

WATERLOO took the honours in the Mersey derby at Blundellsands avenging the defeat earlier in the season at the Upper Park.

Park had first use of the elements as they subjected the Waterloo line to an opening barrage.

The Waterloo defence was solid although they lost skipper Jack Weare to the sin bin and it was not until the 20th minute that Park eventually broke through as scrum half Sam Chidley went over from close range with Will Titherington converting.

Waterloo looked dangerous with the ball in hand but Park maintained territorial advantage until Waterloo full back Dom Coe scored on a rare incursion into the Park 22.

Just before half-time Park full back Hem Johal outpaced the home defence for a second try to leave Park with a seven-point lead.

Waterloo made much better use of the wind than Park and they soon overturned the deficit with some excellent handling.

Centre Dom Gosling crossed shortly after the restart and Darragh O’Brien's conversion levelled matters.

Waterloo then took control with an O’Brien try soon followed by a further score from Gabe Davies.

Park came back into contention when substitute Matt Walls crashed over but another Davies score restored the home advantage and any lingering Park hopes were killed off with a final home try from Jake Hawkins.

Park kept going and were rewarded with a bonus point when winger Adam Roscoe touched down after some good handling.

Watching local rugby analyst John McNally, a Park stalwart and former Waterloo player, said: "Undoubtedly it was a condign victory for Waterloo but Park did have their moments.

"The slender Park lead at half-time was never likely to be enough in those conditions."

Scrum half Sam Chidley was in good form in a losing cause and another plus for Park was the welcome return of prop Matt Ibbotson after a two year spell in New Zealand and he acquitted himself well off the bench.

Park will hope to return to winning ways when Cumbrian outfit Keswick make their first ever visit to the Upper Park on Saturday (2.15pm kick off).