Stockport 20, Birkenhead Park 20

DESPITE the stormy conditions Stockport and Birkenhead Park produced a lively contest with honours shared at the Memorial Ground.

Park had first use of the elements and were soon ahead when good work by Hem Johal put Adam Roscoe clear for the first try after just five minutes.

Some more good handling saw winger Roscoe go over for his second try mid way through the half, Dave Hall converted and then after more Park pressure added a penalty as Park built up a 15-point lead.

Stockport on a rare incursion into the Park 22 managed to cross just before half time through flanker Ryan Hanson converted by Harry Rapley.

With just an eight point lead Park faced an uphill battle in the second half on the sloping pitch and playing into the elements.

Stockport began to gain more possession and it was number Eight Simon Green who scored with Rapley’s conversion reducing Park’s lead to just a single point.

Two penalties by Rapley then saw Stocport go into the lead but Park defended their line well to prevent any further Stockport tries.

It was Park who finished stronger as they kept possession and worked their way up the pitch with some close driving play.

Time was running out as Martin O’Keefe joined the action for the closing minutes.

A push over scrum effort just failed but it was O’Keefe who went on a powerful run before he was hauled down just short of the line.

Peter Doolan was on hand to pick up and score as Park equalised deep in injury time.

Dave Hall’s conversion attempt from out wide was held up by the gale as the scores finished level.

Park spokesman George Pollock said: "considering the conditions both sides played well and a draw was the least we deserved.

"We played particularly well in the closing stages into the elements."

There is a break in the league programme this week but the following week Park welcome Penrith to the Upper Park with kick off now reverting to 3pm.