Carlisle came out on the wrong end of a tight North One West game at Birkenhead Park as they lost 16-13.
Even Park’s director of Rugby Martin O’Keefe admitted: “This game could easily have gone either way and we almost paid the price for not scoring when we had our best spell early in the second half.”
After suffering two reverses, Park returned to winning ways but it was a close affair involving two well-matched teams.
Both sides had their moments in a hard-fought first-half but defences prevailed until Park’s ‘Mr Reliable’ Dave Hall broke the deadlock with a penalty after 30 minutes.
A few minutes later Park surrendered the advantage when the forwards infringed and centre Jason Israel levelled for Carlisle.
Park claimed a crucial score just before half time when the forwards drove decisively before prop Martin Donnelly powered through for the try with Hall converting to give the home side a 10-3 lead at the break.
With new stand-off Garin Roberts from Denbigh settling in well, Park looked dangerous but were unable to gain the breakthrough after squandering a number of chances.
Carlisle weathered the storm and went on the attack with winger Andy Glendinning going clear for the try against the run of play. Israel’s conversion levelled matters to set up a tense final quarter.
Carlisle appeared to be getting the upper hand and they took the lead for the first time with another Israel penalty.
Park rallied and after good pressure they were awarded a penalty which Hall converted to level the scores again going into the closing minutes.
Park continued to press and when Carlisle were penalised again Hall made no mistake to edge the home side ahead.
There was still time for Carlisle to respond but a final penalty attempt was pulled wide and Park just held on for victory.
