First Loss

The game was due to be played at Upper Park but due to the inclement weather and Park’s pitches unplayable the game was switched to the memorial ground.
More changes to the team, but still a very strong team came up against the strongest team we have faced all season. This being quite remarkable given parks’ position at the foot of the table.
The match was played on the back pitch and straight from the off the massive Park pack were in the ascendancy. Wirral were given them much assistance by conceding so many penalties.
After around ten minutes the well drilled park pack scored from a catch and drive and then off load to the big 8 who dived over the line. The conversion was kicked and Park led -0.
The Park pack continued to frustrate the Wirral Pack for the next twenty minutes and constant infringements, led to Wirral defending their line on a number of occasions. However, the Wirral defence was resolute and held firm under heavy pressure.
It was clear that we were not going to get any decisions and after four or five penalties given against us Ben Cornford was sent to the bin for the teams repeat offending. It seemed unfortunate as he tackled the player and ended up on the wrong side and although he made efforts to move it wasn’t deemed satisfactory .
After 25 mins Wirral started to get back in the game and some astute kicking from Josh put pressure on the park wingers . On one occasion the park winger dropped the ball in the path of Cookie who was two on one against the full back. Unfortunately we could not execute the two on one.
Wirral now were having more joy in the park half and eventually troubled the scorers when open play saw the ball go blind where Corny fed Josh who in turn provided Brooksy with the opportunity to gas his opposite number and score. Conno converted and 7 all.
Wirral had numerous opportunities to score in the remaining minutes of the first half . There were dropped lineouts on the Park 5 metre and dropped passes at crucial times. The only penance was another penalty to take our score to 10.
Half time and Park were leading from another try and it was 13 – 10 at half time.
The second half was a frustrating affair and not much action of note. More penalties conceded were killing any momentum we had. Park managed to get into an 18-5 lead .
Wirral did manage to score with 9 minutes left from a typical Martin Bennett show and go outpacing the Park backs and dummying to Baker and going over the line . The lad has wheels
18 -15 but that was the end of the scoring .
A disappointing result and a game on paper we should have won. The defence throughout was tireless and no one can fault the effort from the boys, we just need to take our chances when they present themselves.
For us to get anything from this season we need to drastically improve our discipline. Over the last 3 home games we must have conceded over 50 penalties which is unacceptable. While there is a feeling we have been on the wrong side of the referees decisions we need to be smarter and to be able to adapt. Sometimes this is difficult but we have enough experience in the team to do this.
We also need to concentrate on our game and not worry about the opposition. There was too much talk before the game that Park1’s didn’t have a game and that some would be playing. I do not know if this is the case, but even if it was, we have enough about us to beat who ever we play against.
Credit to Birkenhead Park for playing some great rugby and the game was played in a good spirit.
It is inconceivable that if Park have these players available week in week out that they will remain at the foot of the table. It will be interesting to see their results over the next few weeks and will no doubt be climbing the table.
Man of the match today was split between Jo Adnams and Jason Green. Jo was constantly making big carries and hits and Jason was immense in and around the rucks. I think I counted Jason making 6 tackles within the first few minutes of the game and he carried this on throughout the game.
Jo also took the big hit of the match with a thumping tackle that sent their big 6 back. Liam Kean coming a close 2nd with a big hit on our try line.
Next week we are home against Blackburn and we are looking for a positive reaction. We need to look to play more running open rugby and play to our strengths.
We keep the faith .

Donno