Kirkby fighting spirit continues to show

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A warm welcome was extended by the officials and supporters to Upper Park, the home of Birkenhead Park RUFC, where we have not played for a number of years. Riding high atop the division, the Kirkby lads would need to pull out all the stops.
Kirkby commenced proceedings and were soon on the attack drawing a penalty from the first ruck of the game. From 30 yards out Lawson slotted the ball between the posts to lead 0-3 after 4 minutes. A wake up call to the home side as they slipped into gear. A well drilled team started to show why they are promotion material for North West 1. However, despite their heavy pack and swift backs, Kirkby held them until the 10th minute when their number 14 had the overlap to score his first try to put the home side in the lead at 5-3. There followed a period of possession by Birkenhead but the Kirkby defence held until the wing man went over for his second try to increase the lead to 10-3. The fighting spirit of the visitors continued to attack but a solid defence on home soil did not waver. Further solid work by the home side forwards led to their third try and a score line of 17-3. This pattern of play continued for the remainder of the half until the referee blew for half time with Birkenhead leading 40 points to 3.
Undeterred, Kirkby came out with fire in their bellies and forced the home side into defence mode. Good moves by the visitors should have lead to points on the board but the home forwards were adept at stealing the ball and reversing any attack. Strong tackling by Kirkby in the centre of the pitch kept Birkenhead at bay until their wing ran through two defenders to break the deadlock in this second half and increase their score to 45 points. This pattern of play, back and forth, continued during this half with another try to the home side before the final whistle blew. Score, 50-3.
A much better game by the Kirkby lads showing good moves and strong tackling in defence. Sadly Lawson went off with a hand injury which could put him out for a few weeks. We wish him well.
Cumbria Cup match on Saturday against Upper Eden with kick off at 2.15.
DJH