The first half saw Hoylake take an 11points to nil lead, kicking 2 penalties and scoring a push over try, even though the Park players believed that the ball was grounded short of the try line. It seemed as Park's attitude was one of just stepping out onto the field and the game would be won. But the Park players had forgotten that 15 determined players on the opposite side had plans and ideas of their own to ensure that Park were going to have to work for any kind of success.

With advantage firmly on Hoylakes side and the daylight dwindling fast the second half started with much of the 1st half repeated, Hoylake resisting and competing for every ball and Park either being turned over and losing the ball or kicking aimlessly to the side lines. The game did begin to change when first, Simon Verbickas converted a penalty and Jon Knight finished off 4 phases of sustained Park pressure, by scoring wide out to make the score 11-8.

It now seemed that Park had finally woken up and would begin to play the rugby they are capable of, however once again it seemed as though Park were suffering from a monumental hang over from the Christmas and New Year period, as the once again they allowed Hoylake to dictate the style and pace of the game.

Hoylake stretched their lead by being awarded a penalty try. There seemed to be a difference of opinion about the validity of the try being awarded but as the referee has the final say the try stood and Park went into the final quarter of the game 10 point in arrears.

Park's fortunes finally took a turn for the better when a speculative kick up field was mysteriously hoofed infield by a Hoylake back, instead of off the pitch for a line-out. Panic now ensued in the Hoylake ranks as Tom Foden saw his opportunity and kicked the ball on towards the try line. Chased by the Hoylake team Tom reached the ball first and gratefully slide over the line for a try.

Now five points in arrears Park threw everything at Hoylake and began to carve holes in the Hoylake defence. A further 5 points were scored when Grahame Booker received a pass out wide to dive into the corner for the try.

With time and the light fading fast Park almost snatched an unlikely victory. First, Simon Verbickas believed he had scored a try but much to the delight of the Hoylake supporters the try was disallowed because the referee had seen a forward pass. Finally, in the last minute, Park were awarded a penalty but failed to convert it leaving the score tied at 18 each. Hopefully Park's performance can be put down to a bad day at the office but if the team wants to progress and gain promotion then the preparation, attitude and commitment to the cause has to be raised much higher than that which came across against Hoylake.

David Walsh, 1st XV Manager Broughton Park