On Saturday the Brods first XV faced a tough challenge in Birkenhead Park, already promoted and winners of the Regional 2 North West league, in the second match of the Papa Johns Cup. Watching Park warm up it was clear they were a big, very disciplined and well drilled outfit, confirming the difficulty of the task ahead.

However under perfect conditions, clear skies and good field conditions, the stage was set for a good open game of rugby and the spectators were not to be disappointed.

Brods kicked off down the slope. Park were tidy in defence and after a few phases of possession from both sides a long kick into Brods territory found centre Dom Georgiou who after a passing interchange with team mate Jimmy Hodkinson sped downfield to touch down under the posts. Conversion kicked by the dependable Kelly taking the score to 7-0 after 4 minutes.

Park immediately returned the attack and after the first of a succession of favourable penalties drove towards the Brods line, moving the ball along their threequarters to score a fine try uphill to the left corner. This was converted by their classy number 10 with a praying mantis pre-kick concentration reminiscent of Jonny Wilkinson. With the score at 7-7 after 10 minutes the fans were salivating over the prospect of the game ahead.

Brods kicked off again and following a line out on the visitors 40 metres mark, Park dropped the ball along their back line which was quickly picked up by Ben Barron who passed left to the supporting wing, young Leo Kemp, who darted over unopposed. 14-7 to Brods after 15 minutes.

From the next kick off it was Park's turn to attack and one of their centres pressed for the line after a period of forward pressure, but dependable Kelly relieved pressure with a long clearance. The pattern of play thus far was that Park pressed with ponderous forward pressure, and when the ball was distributed along their back line, Brods speedier and lighter threequarterters were quick to snuff out any threat. However on 23 minutes, the ref awarded Park a penalty which was converted by number 10 taking things to 14 - 10 to Brods.

Aided by the ref's whistle Park continued to press and their fly half was unsuccessful with a drop goal attempt. Further Park pressure ensued but Park backs were again pressured into mistakes and dropped the ball where Hodkinson picked up and sensibly kicked downfield where a bad Park clearance meant that Brods had gained 60 metres. From the resulting line out Harris caught allowing Jennings to set up a drive and there was no stopping captain Elliott Craven scoring to the left of the posts. Conversion missed 19-10 to Brods after 34 minutes.

From the kick off a Culf drive put the Brods on the front foot, followed by a scorching Craven break gaining 50 mtres bringing play into Park's 22. From a resulting Jennings drive, speedy Ben Barron was over for Brods fourth try, Conversion missed but now 24-10 to Brods on 37 minutes.

For the remainder of the half Park had good possession and attacked the Brods line, but Brods held out until on 40 minutes, and after yet another penalty Park reduced the arrears bringing the score to 24-13 at half time. This was a clear reminder that the game was far from over.

The second half commenced with Sealey and Stapley entering the fray and the impressive Jennings taking a breather. Stapley immediately made his presence felt with a 20 metre scoot and Craven raced 30 metres upfield. Brods were looking strong but a Park late tackle, another offence missed by the ref, led to a fracas and the competitive Dom Georgiou was binned for a handbags incident on 45 minutes. Again Park were benefitting from the refs inconsistent decisions with free kicks but Craven was everywhere returning the kicks with interest with strong drives. Following yet another Park penalty the visitors were in the home 22 and following a line out, spread the ball left where their powerful centre powered over. The conversion made it 24-20 on 50 minutes and game on.

The next period was characterised by Park pressure and they were camped in Brods territory. Though tackling valiantly, the Brods were up against it and after 58 minutes the Park number 13 broke the line and was over again for a try to the left of the posts, the extras bringing the score 24-27 to Park.

Brods now began to up their game and ran the ball upfield where Kemp was prominent. Smart retired and the influential Jennings returned to the field. Just when the Brods seemed to be gaining the upper hand, mistakes made them lose momentum. A Brods line out was uncharacteristically lost and Park's number 8 gained good yardage downfield. More Park pressure led to the powerful number 13 forcing his way over again from close range, the conversion making it 24-34, and with less than 10 minutes remaining it was not looking good for the home side.

However, the Brods dug in once more and from the kick off, Park spilled the ball. The referee awarded a Brods scrum, and brought a big sarcastic cheer from the Brods faithful. From the resulting scrum, following a Jennings half break putting the supporting centre through the gap, the pass was deemed forward, by a miniscle amount if at all, resulting in further lost momentum. But Brods were in no mood to relinquish pressure and forward driving took play to the Park 22 where a penalty was awarded to the home side. Kelly put the Brods in a strong position and following a Harris line out catch the ball was distributed across the backs where elusive Kemp was able to wriggle over. The conversion made the score 31-34 to Park with 3 minutes to go.

The home team were now beginning to feel the benefit of the refs whistle, and on 78 minutes, the Birkenhead Park scrum-capped lock was yellow carded for a cynical offside offence slowing play down. But Brods were in full flow and camped in the visitors 22 where a succession of penalties on Brods scrums led to another Park man being carded.

In overtime Brods went for broke and Kelly's kick from the resulting penalty put the home side 5 metres from the line. The well rehearsed line out drill saw Harris take well and the resulting drive was unfairly prevented from scoring. A penalty try was awarded on the last play of the game. 38-34 to the Brods, the whistle went and the home side were euphoric and the visitors gutted.

For the second successive week the Brods were involved in a classic high scoring nail biter. Everyone is looking forward to the Papa Johns decider next week against Percy Park.