Penrith put to the sword by brilliant Park

Birkenhead Park avenged their defeat earlier in the season with a comprehensive victory over Penrith at the Upper Park.

With every other game in the North West 1 programme postponed, apart from the Burnage match on the artificial pitch, it was a testament to the great work Park groundsman Terry Hall has done over the years to improve the playing surface. Pitch conditions were almost perfect despite the recent deluges.

Park went on the attack from the start and Dave Hall opened the scoring with a penalty after five minutes. Jack Ashcrtoft secured the first try on 14 minutes from close range but Penrith hit back with a try from South African debutant winger Manny Mbatha.

With the Ibbotson brothers appearing together for the first time in Park colours for a number of years, together with cousin Martin Donnelly, the family occasion was marked with Dave Ibbotson crossing for the next score.

A great break by Man of the Match Will Titherington saw Park move further ahead and skipper Ollie Mabbott then crossed to give Park a commanding 31-5 lead at half time. Despite playing into the wind in the second half Park continued to dominate with Titherington controlling matters.

It was another Titherington break from his own half that put centre Ollie Jacques clear for the next try and then Mabbott touched down again from a pushover scrum.

A well taken try by full back Fraser Nicolson proved to be a brief respite for the Cumbrians as Park resumed their dominance.

Flanker Sean Mooney finished off a driving maul before Jacques raced clear for his second try.

The final try came as lock Laurence Thomas broke through to complete a very satisfactory afternoon for the home side.

Despite the windy conditions Dave Hall produced some excellent place kicking as he converted six times to add to his early penalty.

This Saturday Park travel to Manchester to take on Broughton Park.