Victory for Birkenhead Park against Altrincham Kersal

BIRKENHEAD Park continued their good form with a second successive bonus point victory as they produced an excellent second-half display against visitors Altrincham Kersal at the Upper Park.

Park gave a debut in the centre to newcomer Owain Davies who has joined from Abergele.

The Welsh connection proved to be influential, as stand-off Garin Roberts opened the scoring after five minutes with a long-range kick and chase effort with Dave Hall kicking an excellent conversion into the wind.

Altrincham Kersal had the use of the strong wind in the first half and as a result dominated territory with Park being forced to try and fight their way out of defence for long periods.

Kersal at times over kicked and wasted possession but eventually good inter-play put centre Moncur through for their opening score.

Park suffered a blow when they lost their prolific points machine Dave Hall through injury with Adam Roscoe switching to full back to cover.

The visitors continued to press but Park defended strongly until Moncur jinked his way through for an excellent solo score converted by Holloway. Garin Roberts took over the kicking duties and his penalty just before the break saw Park two points behind with the elements to their advantage in the second half.

Park used the elements well and after sustained pressure the forwards drove well with lock Peter Coles touching down for his first senior score which Roberts converted.

Kersal continued to look dangerous and they levelled the score when a break by flanker Brooks put hooker Mallaband through under the posts although Holloway somehow missed the simple conversion.

An excellent final-quarter inspired by Roberts saw Park take control, he broke through himself for his second try which he also converted. Adam Roscoe then outpaced the Kersal defence from long range for a great try again improved by Roberts.

More good work by Roberts saw Owain Davies go through under the posts for a try to mark a promising debut much to the delight of the travelling Abergele supporters. Roberts converted to complete a fine afternoon for the impressive stand off.

In the pack flanker Sean Mooney was outstanding with good support from skipper Ollie Mabbott.

Park President John McNally said "This was a pleasing victory which the whole team worked hard for.

"It was an encouraging debut for Owain Davies and the Welsh Wizzard Garin Roberts was absolutely superb.

"In the pack Sean Mooner put in an awesome performance too.”

Park's improved form will be put to the test on Saturday when second-place Kendal visit in a rearranged match, kick off is 2.15 at the Upper Park.