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BIRKENHEAD PARK FC 154 YEARS OF RUGBY OFFICIAL MATCH DAY PROGRAMME SEASON 2025 - 2026

NEWS AND FRONT COVER STORY PAGE 20

PLAYER PROFILE

NIALL CAVANAGH PAGE 13

SANDBACH 10TH JANUARY 2026 KICK OFF - 14:15

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CONTENTS

PRESIDENT: ERIC THOMAS CHAIRMAN: MARTIN O’KEEFE TREASURER: MARK MCNALLY SECRETARY: PAUL HAYES BPFC THE UPPER PARK, PARK ROAD NORTH, BIRKENHEAD CH41 8AA T: 0151 652 4646

FRONT COVER: MARTIN O'KEEFE AND SON JOE FLETCHER (SEE NEWS STORY ON P20)

ANTI-VIOLENCE INITIATIVE BPFC FULLY ENFORCES AN ANTI-VIOLENCE INITIATIVE THROUGHOUT THE CLUB AND INCLUDING ALL TEAMS. THE ANTIVIOLENCE INITIATIVE SUPPORTS AND IS TO BE READ ALONGSIDE, THE CLUB’S EXISTING CODE OF CONDUCT

Presidents Welcome

Regional 2 North West Table

BPFC Game Stats

Player Profile: Niall Cavanagh

Team Captains and Coaches 25/26

First Team Squads 25/26

Shirt & Ball Sponsors

News & Results RoundUp

LJMU links continue

BPFC 1st XV Fixtures

BPFC 2nd XV Fixtures

BPFC 3rd XV Fixtures

BPFC 1st XV Ladies Fixtures

What’s On At BPFC

Birkenhead Park FC - A Brief History

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PRESIDENT’S WELCOME ERIC THOMAS President from: March 2003

A Happy New Year to you all. The first game of 2026 sees us welcoming Sandbach to the Upper Park. Coached by Andrew Bird and Tom Holmes, the tangerine and greens have topped the table for most of the season. Our first match with them this season resulted in a 12-29 loss. Although the game was tight until the last few minutes. We were entertained royally by them back then and we hope to return the favour today.

PRESIDENT: ERIC THOMAS CHAIRMAN: MARTIN O’KEEFE TREASURER: MARK MCNALLY SECRETARY: PAUL HAYES BPFC THE UPPER PARK, PARK ROAD NORTH, BIRKENHEAD CH41 8AA

Neil Shaw, his new coaching team and the players have responded to the challenge well with a creditable 31-38 last time out against current table toppers, North Ribblesdale, a game we could have and probably should have won, injuries notwithstanding. We did come back with two valuable bonus points though. This followed an excellent 5 pointer in 44-17 victory against West Park. Nonetheless, we are certainly not out of the relegation woods yet after the abandoned game at Firwood Waterloo was awarded to the home side following the injury to Nic Witte who will be warmly welcomed back after his sojourn in South Africa. We hope that the pre-Christmas momentum can continue with a win against a strong Sandbach outfit. A shout out to my fellow committee member, our Chairman, Martin O’Keefe who has turned out for the last couple of games to play alongside his son, Joe and has relieved what has been an injury crisis in the front row. Contrary to rumours though, I will not be joining him. It’s not that bad a crisis! I have played many times against Sandbach and recall a Cheshire Cup match in the 1980s when I was playing for Old Rockferrians. Hopefully we won’t see a repeat of that result today!

T: 0151 652 4646

Sandbach have always been there or thereabouts in the previous iterations of the RFU league system. You never played Sandbach any level or era and thought it would be easy. The Bradwall Road outfit has always nurtured talent who have gone on to become professional players and internationals such as Ewan Ashman (Edinburgh and Scotland), Jos Gilmore, Will Cliff, James Gaskell and Matt Beesley to name but a few. Perhaps in the next 100 years or so, they might catch up with our total of internationals. Currently we have promising players in the squad who have already represented county or country in 25/26 such as Jake Bennett (England Police), Harry Perkins (Malta), Dan Stanton and Joe Fletcher (Cheshire Snr Colts). Whatever the result today, and congratulations if you have followed my ramblings this far, I hope you enjoy your day here at Upper Park. Come on Park!

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REGIONAL 2 NORTH WEST TABLE 2025 - 2026

Table correct as of 2nd January 2026

KEY P - Played W - Won D - Drawn L - Lost PF - Points for PA - Points against +/- - Difference TB - Try Bonus Points LB - Lost Bonus Points Pts - Points

The Upper Park, Park Road North, Birkenhead, CH41 8AA 5 minute walk from Birkenhead train station and the 437 bus from Liverpool

BPFC GAME STATS

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The Upper Park, Park Road North, Birkenhead, CH41 8AA 5 minute walk from Birkenhead train station and the 437 bus from Liverpool

PLAYER PROFILE NIALL CAVANAGH POSITION: SECOND ROW AGE: 32 YEARS OLD PLAYER SINCE: 9 YEARS OLD

QUICK FIRE! Favourite film? Big Daddy Dream holiday destination? Fuji Tea or coffee? Coffee Boots: black or bright colours? Bright Cats or dogs? Dogs Best thing about Birkenhead Rugby Club? The people in and around the club

What position do you play, and how would you describe your style? Abrasive and energetic How long have you been playing rugby, and how did you get started? Since around the age of 8-9 my dad brought me down to park mainly to get rid of me for an hour or 2 so he could have a pint in peace What’s been your proudest moment in a Birkenhead shirt so far? Making my debut for the 1s at 19 and playing with my mates Beef and Tyrer Do you have any pre-match rituals or superstitions? None at all, maybe a few Friday night pints Toughest opponent you’ve ever faced? Josh Kaifa of Manukau Rovers went on to play for Moana Pasifika and Zebre Which teammate would you want beside you in a last-minute tackle? If they’re running straight at us probably Beef to give away another high tackle penalty

Your rugby hero growing up? Jerry Collins Favourite rugby memory (playing or watching)? Going the whole season unbeaten and winning the league and cup double with Ponsonby Rugby Club in New Zealand If you weren’t playing rugby, what sport would you play instead? I’d fancy myself as a half decent darts player What’s your go-to meal before/after a game? Probably scrambled eggs and bacon on toast pre match / 20 Guinness post match it’s all about balance Favourite music to get hyped before a match? Irish rebel tunes Which teammate is the funniest in the changing room? Alan Hughes One thing fans would be surprised to learn about you? Growing up I wanted to be a jockey. Sadly, my dream came to an end very early due to being too tall.

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TEAM CAPTAINS AND COACHES 2025 - 2026

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OUR CAPTAINS AND VICE CAPTAINS FOR THE FORTHCOMING SEASON. Park members, players, and fans please give them your support in their efforts to improve playing standards here at this historic club. It’s quite a legacy!

1st XV Team Captain: Adam Wellington Vice Captains: Sam Chidley and Jacob Ainscough Director of Rugby: Neil Shaw Coach: Billy Woof Squad Manager: Tba (see ad)

2nd XV Team Captain: Dave Power Vice Captain: Will Oates

Senior Colts Captain: Josh Waddington Vice Captain: Dan Stanton Coaches: Paul Hellier, Chris Jones, and Ian Stanton

3rd XV Team Captain: Mike Stormes Vice Captain: Charlie Devitt

1st XV Ladies Team Captain: Jaime Stanton Vice Captain: Niamh Roden Minis Safeguarding Officer: Dawn Skeoch Londono

M I N I

J U N I O R

R U G B Y EVERY SUNDAY FROM 10AM

AGES 5 TO 16 NEW PLAYERS / BOYS & GIRLS

WELCOME!

Contact: Pete Cucchi 07794 766 556 cucchi1962@gmail.com

Have fun! Make new friends! Get fit! Plus end of season tour! Tel: 0151 652 4646

FIRST TEAM SQUADS 2025 - 2026

Birkenhead Park

Sandbach

1.⁠⁠A Hughes* 2.⁠⁠H Sutton 3.⁠⁠P Doolan 4.⁠⁠J McCabe* 5.⁠⁠J Ashcroft 6.⁠⁠J Fletcher* 7.⁠⁠A Wellington (C) 8.⁠⁠J Lewtas 9.⁠⁠J Ainscough* 10.⁠⁠L Isaacs 11.⁠⁠A Roscoe* 12.⁠⁠L Bowen 13.⁠⁠D Morgan* 14.⁠⁠S Tyrer* 15. M Waddington

1. Lea* 2. Davies 3. Harding* 4. Oakden 5. Young* 6. Jones* 7. Bromley* 8. Perkins* 9. Essenhigh (C) 10. Mitchell* 11. John* 12. Lesse* 13. Cole* 14. Rosser* 15. Randle*

16.⁠⁠M O’Keefe 17.⁠⁠J Bennett* 18.⁠⁠F Arista

16. Butler* 17. Bowbeer* 18. Busby*

* Mini & Junior Graduates. Please note: Lineups are correct at the time of creation.

Today’s Referee is of the Liverpool and District Society

DUNCAN HENDRY OTHER FIXTURES COMING UP Saturday 17th January Altrincham Kersal VS Birkenhead Park Saturday 31st January Birkenhead Park vs Burnage

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BPFC SHIRT & BALL SPONSORS 2025 - 2026

Family Thomas Barbara Jones

Geraldine Parker Bobby Tinsley Rachel Tsang

Emma Tarleton Ashley Olliver

Bill Readdie Harry Tarleton Chris Wainwright

Christian Saverimutto Ralph Winn Mark McNally

Clive Plummer Mike Kenny

Alan Steedman

Family Thomas Dave Blyth

Mike Hickey Sophia Tarleton Phil Tarleton

Sean Mooney (Snr) Micky Ridyard

Andy Clayton Harvey Davenport Mike Tsang Phil McShane

John Burrell Hugh Smith

Steven Dodd Paul and Ann McNerlin

Andy Clayton John Davenport Peter Kolokotroni

Alex Chapman John Horwood

Paul Trueman

Frank Rogers Law

Hugh Smith

BALL SPONSORSHIPS 6th September 20th September 11th October 25th October 22nd November 29th November 13th December 10th January 31st January 28th February 28th March

Widnes North Ribblesdale Altrincham Kersal Douglas (I.O.M.) Winnington Park Vale of Lune West Park (St Helens) Sandbach Burnage Northwich Waterloo

Alan Steedman Phil Tarleton Norman Pursglove Ralph Winn Mike Kenny Harvey Davenport John Burrell John Roberts Eric Thomas Keith Thompson Charles Hillock

NEWS AND RESULTS ROUND UP

Image: Paul Hellier

Image: Amelia Harris

Paul is running for Emma

Amelia joins the Cheshire set

Former first teamer and Senior Colts joint coach, Paul Hellier, will be taking on the 2026 London Marathon next April, running on behalf of Clatterbridge Cancer Charity, a cause close to many of us.

BPFC star Amelia Harris was selected and played for Cheshire U16's. A fantastic achievement which bodes well for the future of the Panthers who need new players coming through from the minis and youth sides. Well done, Amelia and thank you to Carrie Chapman for the heads up.

Paul is running in memory of his colleague, Emma Harrison, Deputy Head of Hilbre High School who sadly lost a short battle with cancer in April. Any support for this incredible local charity would mean a great deal to everyone at Hilbre. Paul said: “Emma’s compassion, integrity, and unwavering dedication to our students made her a true inspiration to everyone who worked with her. Those of us who had the privilege of serving alongside her on the leadership team will never forget her wisdom, her humour, and her strength.” We can’t provide a link on this version of the programme, but if you visit the JustGiving site and use the keywords Paul Helier, Ms Harrison, 2026 London Marathon, it will take you to the page. We are pleased to report that Paul is only 10% short of the target at the time of publication. Image: Emma Harrison

Image: Joe & Martin after North Ribblesdale

The Martin and Joe Show help to revive Park’s fortunes Pictured at the recent North Ribblesdale game, this is Joe Fletcher and his dad try scorer, Martin O’Keefe after playing starring roles in the West Park win and the narrow reverse at North Ribb. As long as Martin’s knees hold up, we might see the latest instalment today.

NEWS AND RESULTS ROUND UP

As our President has said in his welcome, Park picked up a total of seven bonus points over the three games in December. Whilst the reverse at Firwood Waterloo was the first defeat for quite a few seasons at Blundellsands, it highlighted the extensive injury list particularly in the pack. Second Row, Harry Perkins has recovered from his concussion and is now available for selection. Our healthy band of away supporters for that Loo game (12-32) were concerned to witness the injury to Nic Witte who was taken in an ambulance to hospital but was later discharged after precautionary examination of his neck and spine. Now that he has returned from his South Africa break, we look forward to seeing Nic back in the red, white and blue soon. Selection pending at the time of publication, Dan Morgan will be making his 50th appearance for Park in the centre today. Congratulations to Dan. The sum total of the 44-17 win against West Park and the one try margin at North Ribb, together with the defeat at Loo, means Park have swapped places with their derby rivals and third from bottom of Regional 2 North West league before kick off today with Altrincham Kersal picking up their first win against a strong Douglas IOM side prior to the seasonal break. Tries from Sam Tyrer, Peter Doolan, Lawrence Bowen and Martin O'Keefe were not quite enough to topple this season’s surprise leaders but once again showed that Park have been capable of scoring from different positions. Liam Isaacs landed three conversions.

Image: Park try vs West Park

Nine games remain in the league including one next week away at AK before the next home fixture against Burnage on 26th, Park aiming to avenge the loss at their all weather pitch. Once again we appeal for your valued support home and away. Adam and the lads definitely appreciate it. It’s all in Park’s hands. Our Wanderers played St Edwards Old Boys and were on the wrong end of a 46-7 loss. Given the injury situation, the second string were short of depth but still 8th in the NOWIROL Baines Plumbing Division 1 with five victories in the campaign thus far.

INTERESTED IN VENUE HIRE? Contact Mark Parry - 0151 652 4646 or email manager@bpfc1871.co.uk or better still, say hello to Mark or Anne Marie or our Chairman Martin at the match and they will be happy to show you around the facilities

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LJMU LINKS CONTINUE

The links with Liverpool John Moores University on and off the field have always been tight with all BUCS home games being played on Wednesdays during term time and plenty of other partnerships bearing fruit.

Jaecoo 5 myself and was very pleased with the service and value offered by Phil and the Group 53 team.” Updates to follow.

Former LJMU and Park second row, John Elliot has now returned to his hometown club after graduation but was group leader for a project here at Park which saw the launch of a number of marketing initiatives this time last year under the supervision of this programme editor and hon.VP, Keith Thompson. Keith said: “A new set of students from Liverpool Business School is due to arrive later this month and we hope to build on the advances in event promotion, comms and recruitment at this pivotal time in Park’s development. The Business Consultancy module has also attracted the attention of other members such as Chris Wainwright who will be welcoming students to a project around his Cross Foxes pub in Trawsfynydd. In particular, we would like to work with our valued sponsors to maximise the effectiveness of their support. We have already seen how successful the Group M53 sponsorship has been. I even bought a

WHY NOT SUBSCRIBE TO OUR FREE NEWSLETTER? You don’t have to be a member but you would be the first to know of any promotions in the frame. Email manager@bpfc.co.uk and you will be added to the mailing list.

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BPFC 1ST XV FIXTURES 2025 - 2026

DATE

OPPOSITION

H/A

TIME

FINAL SCORE

Sat 6 Sept 2025

Widnes

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