North 2 West, 19th April 2008

New Brighton 15 v 19 Broughton Park

'Park made the trip to 4th place New Brighton for the final game of the season.

'Park received a major blow when both hooker Andy Wilson and the reserve hooker were not available due to work commitments.

Into the fray tighthead prop Guy Barlow at hooker with prop Conor Mitchell throwing in at the line-out. New Brighton had only lost one home game all season to league winners Chester.

'Park won the toss and played with the wind. The first 15 minutes was played at a fantastic pace. Eventually New Brighton through their forwards scored after 'Park had conceded a penalty and missed tackles. The conversion was missed. 5 - 0.

'Park replied within minutes from a penalty on New Brighton's 10 metre line, John Clifford took a quick tap, fed Guy Barlow, a ruck ensued and quick ball and quick hands in the backs saw Paddy O'Donnell put Pat Hurley over in the corner. Ronan O'Brien's conversion hit the post. 5 - 5.

As half-time approached it was noticeable that after a difficult first 20 minutes 'Park's scrummage was settling and New Brighton were not having everything their own way.

'Park faced the wind in the 2nd half and for 20 minutes were stuck in their own 22 manfully keeping the try line protected. Good harassing by scrum-half Steve Elliot at the base of the scrum plus no missed tackles and no penalties conceded started to frustrate New Brighton.

'Park turned over ball and Pat Hurley was put away down the left wing. He went 75 metres and eventually the ball went into touch for a 'Park throw. 'Park took a quick throw and Paddy O'Donnell scored only for the Referee to call them back for a not straight throw in and disallow the try.

This near miss lifted 'Park and 10 minutes later the same thing happened. Hurley down the left, quick recycled ball, moved right to Tom Mapp who fed Ben O'Brien who was stopped just short of the line. A ruck ensued and John Clifford gave a dummy and scored a converted try to the right of the posts. 10 - 12 to 'Park.

Centre Paddy O'Donnell was sent away down the left wing, he flipped the ball back inside as he was being pushed into touch. A ruck formed and 'Park won quick ball with a 3 man overlap. Pete MacMahon fed full-back Ronan O'Brien who scored under the posts and converted. 10 - 19 to 'Park.

Back came New Brighton and through the forwards scored a try with 6 minutes left on the clock. 15 - 19 to 'Park.

This last 6 minutes was dominated by the 'Park forwards who retained the ball to frustrate New Brighton who conceded penalties allowing 'Park to move up the touchline.

When the final whistle went it brought a great satisfaction to the team that they had won 19 - 15 but it was the culmination of a successful and enjoyable season. The team also wished Tom Mapp all the best as he moves out of the area to take up a new post.

Report by Kevin O'Brien