Birkenhead Park 67 - Douglas 0

BIRKENHEAD Park proved too strong for the visiting Manx outfit Douglas as they cruised to a comprehensive victory at the Upper Park.

Park were quickly into their stride and centre Owain Davies crossed unopposed after good work by the home forwards sucked in the Douglas defence to create the overlap.

Davies then broke from the half-way line for a fine solo try. Dave Hall, playing at stand off in the absence of Garin Roberts, converted both but was then forced off with a hamstring injury.

Park also lost winger Matt Waddington with Sean Lynch taking over at scrum half and Dave Morgan switching to stand off.

Sean Mooney moved from flank to the wing with Laurence Thomas joining the pack.

Despite the disruption Park continued to dominate and when a Douglas attack broke down Davies seized the loose ball and raced down the touchline to complete a spectacular hat-trick.

Good work by centre Adam Wellington paved the way for Dave Morgan to nip over for the bonus point try which he converted himself.

Sean Lynch was next to cross before a Morgan kick ahead was chased down by Tyrer and Morgan himself and Adam Wellington was on hand to force his way over. Morgan converted both as Park were out of sight at 40 to nil at half time.

Park kept up the momentum and crisp handling found prop Alan Hughes clear down the touchline for the opening try of the second-half.

Fellow prop Peter Doolan then dummied his way over for the next try converted again by Morgan.

More quick handling saw Sam Tyrer score out wide and then full back Adam Roscoe outpaced the cover from 30 metres for another long range effort.

The rout was complete when a great flick pass by Morgan put Tyrer clear for his second try.

Alan Hughes claimed the man of the match award but there was strong competition from the versatile Dave Morgan and centres Owain Davies and Adam Wellington.

Director of rugby, Martin O'Keefe, said: "considering the injuries we have had and the disruption in this match it was a very pleasing display.

"Sean Lynch did well off the bench and everyone played their part."

This Saturday Park travel to Lancaster for the return fixture at Vale of Lune.