BIRKENHEAD PARK FC 155 YEARS OF RUGBY
O F F I C I A L M AT C H D AY P R O G R A M M E S E A S O N 2 0 2 6 - 2 0 2 7
PLAYER PROFILE:
BEVAN WILLIAMS PLAYER PROFILE:
BEVAN WILLIAMS
CALDY AND NEW BRIGHTON PRE-SEASON WORKOUTS COACH O'KEEFE COACH O'KEEFE O'KE EFE LOOKS LOOKS FORWARD TO FORWARD TO THE THE NEW NEW SEASON SEASON ENTENTE CORDIALE ENTENTE CORDIALE SUSPENDED SUSP SUSPENDED ENDED FOR FOR 80 80 MINS MINS CALDY AND NEW BRIGHTON PRE-SEASON WORKOUTS
DOUGLAS I.O.M 26 SEPTEMBER 2026 KICK OFF - 14:00 26 SEPTEMBER 2026 KICK OFF - 14:00
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CONTENTS PRESIDENT: ERIC THOMAS CHAIRMAN: MARTIN O’KEEFE TREASURER: MARK MCNALLY SECRETARY: PAUL HAYES BPFC THE UPPER PARK, 141 PARK RD NORTH, BIRKENHEAD CH41 8AA T: 0151 652 4646
EDITORIAL TEAM: KEITH THOMPSON JOHN HORWOOD HARRY PERKINS OWEN SMITH ERIC THOMAS JAIME STANTON JACK ASHCROFT DAVE HALL JADE TREMARCO MIA VEGA-REAL @SPORTSTHROUGH THELENS
ANTI-VIOLENCE INI TIATIVE BPFC FULLY ENFORCES AN ANTIVIOLENCE 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
4
Presidents Welcome
7
Shirt & Ball Sponsorships
9
Regional 2 North West Table
11
BPFC Game Stats
13
Player Profile: Bevan Williams
15
Team Captains and Coaches
17
First Team Squads
19
BPFC 1st XV Fixtures
21
BPFC 2nd XV Fixtures
23
BPFC 3rd XV Fixtures
25
BPFC 1st XV Ladies Fixtures
27
Good Pre-Season Workout
29
Lions Origin Rugby Club Relives Unsurpassed Lions Triumph
32
Entente Cordiale Suspended For 80 Minutes
34
Coach O'Keefe looks forward to the new season
36
What’s On At BPFC
38
Birkenhead Park FC - A Brief History
PRESIDENT’S WELCOME ERIC THOMAS President from: March 2003
The opening match of our Regional 2 North West league programme begins with the return of Douglas IOM to these fields, and we warmly welcome players and officials to the Upper Park today. We won’t forget the part our opponents played in remembrance of Tighearnán McLoughlin-Roche during our away fixture last season.
PRESIDENT: ERIC THOMAS CHAIRMAN: MARTIN O’KEEFE TREASURER: MARK MCNALLY SECRETARY: PAUL HAYES BPFC THE UPPER PARK, 141 PARK RD NORTH, BIRKENHEAD CH41 8AA T: 0151 652 4646
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
Our early kick off today of 2pm is in recognition of the need to catch flights the same day and we can all empathise with that. Our opponents will have aspiration to be promoted to Regional One North West (as have we) but while they are here in this division, we welcome the opportunity for our players to fly overseas, albeit 60 miles away. Talking of which, the longer haul flights to South Africa for our tour have now been booked and we look forward to that experience next year. Despite the league programme being moved back to today by the RFU due to the dry weather, we slotted in two fine fixtures vs Caldy on the 5 th when we used all 30 of our senior squad players in 31-40 reverse followed by a hard fought 40-22 win against New Brighton the Cheshire Vase on the 12th after the home side had taken a 17-14 lead at half time. It has been good to see New Brighton re-merge in recent seasons and we hope for many more local derbies to come as our neighbours’ progress continues in the division below. For now, our other local derby is away at Waterloo next week (October 3rd at Blundellsands) and I call upon Park fans to drown out the significant home support. We are always looking for new players and evidence has shown in this club that current first team players like Dan Stanton, Joe Fletcher both the Morgans, Matt Walls and Alan Hughes ( hope I haven’t missed anyone out here) have risen through the ranks of minis, juniors and into the senior squad. The future remains bright with some good prospects already coming through from the youth side. Our women’s team, Panthers are an essential part of our club. Last season, injuries, the competition from other clubs to recruit players and departures led to our league season being cut short for safety reasons. However, Jaime Stanton and team have been working hard to establish a competitive squad this time around. Interested? We have some of the best facilities this side of the Mersey including a new members’ gym. Behind the scenes, myself and a few of the exec committee met with Cabinet Minister Angela Eagle at the club in the new Pursglove Lounge to show her our significant history, the new development wing and discuss the possibility of installing a brown plaque to commemorate those lost in both wars and the training of the troops on the field.
PRESIDENT’S WELCOME ERIC THOMAS President from: March 2003
We also discussed our involvement in the Bid to become a World Heritage centre and in Birkenhead’s bid to become the next Town of Culture bid where we are down to the last 15. The meeting closed with her promise to come back to us on the Plaques and to contact Alison McGovern to push further on the other two projects. You are at one of the founding clubs of the RFU.
PRESIDENT: ERIC THOMAS
Fast forward to 2026 and let’s hope for a great game of rugby today and a win for Park obviously with thanks to Today’s Match Sponsor H Plus with their Phil Tarleton as Ball Sponsor.
CHAIRMAN: MARTIN O’KEEFE
Our thanks to them and him as always.
TREASURER: MARK MCNALLY SECRETARY: PAUL HAYES BPFC THE UPPER PARK, 141 PARK RD NORTH, BIRKENHEAD CH41 8AA T: 0151 652 4646
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
And here we go!
BPFC SHIRT & BALL SPONSORSHIPS
SHIRT SPONSORSHIPS 1
Family Thomas Barbara Jones
7
Emma Tarleton Ashley Olliver
Steven Dodd Paul and Ann McNerlin
14
Andy Clayton John Davenport Peter Kolokotroni
Alex Chapman John Horwood
2
Geraldine Parker Bobby Tinsley Rachel Tsang
3
Micky Ridyard
9
Christian Saverimutto Mark McNally
15
4
Huw & Jayne Pearson Clive Plummer Mike Kenny
10
Alan Steedman Frank Rogerts Law
16
Family Thomas Dave Blyth
11
Mike Hickey Sophia Tarleton Phil Tarleton
12
5
6
Bill Readdie Harry Tarleton Chris Wainwright
13
8
Andy Clayton Harvey Davenport Mike Tsang Phil McShane
John Burrell Hugh Smith
17
18
Paul Trueman
Frank Rogers Law
TBC
BALL SPONSORSHIPS 26th September 17th October 31st October 21st November 5th December 12th December 16th January 6th February 20th February 13th March 10th April
Douglas (I.O.M.) Kirkby Lonsdale Northwich Warrington Wilmslow Burnage Waterloo Manchester Sandbach Widnes Winnington Park
Phil Tarleton Eric Thomas Norman Pursglove Mike Kenny Keith Thompson John Roberts Charles Hillock Harvey Davenport John Burrell Hugh Smith TBC
The Upper Park, 141 Park Road North, Birkenhead, CH41 8AA 5 minute walk from Birkenhead train station and the 437 bus from Liverpool
REGIONAL 2 NORTH WEST
Table correct as of 25 September 2026
Promotion
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
Promotion playoff
Relegation playoff
Relegation
BIRKENHEAD PARK RUGBY CLUB The Upper Park, 141 Park Road North, Birkenhead, CH41 8AA 5 minute walk from Birkenhead train station and the 437 bus from Liverpool
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BPFC GAME STATS
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PLAYER PROFILE BEVAN WILLIAMS POSITION: PROP, ABLE TO PLAY TIGHT & LOOSE HEAD AGE: 20 YEARS OLD PLAYING SINCE: 2015
QUICK FIRE! Favourite film? Cars Dream holiday destination? Columbia Tea or coffee? Coffee Boots: black or bright colours? Bright boots all day Cats or dogs? Both Best thing about Birkenhead Rugby Club? Community
What position do you play, and how would you describe your style? Prop, I’d best describe my playing style as hard hitting and playing on the edge. How long have you been playing rugby, and how did you get started? I have been playing since I was 8 years old, as I wanted to try something new, at Wrexham rugby club. Why did you join Birkenhead? After playing for Cheshire U20’s last season, I was playing with a few of the lads and got asked if I wanted to play. After looking around, and a bit of persuasion, I was convinced and wanted a new challenge. Do you have any pre-match rituals or superstitions? I’m a very superstitious person. Only on a match day I have a few but I’ll keep it brief. I have to have my kit folded up as soon as I get into the changing rooms when getting ready. Left side first and left foot when I run onto the pitch too. Toughest opponent you’ve ever faced? Probably would be Cobra away when I was at Wrexham. Long grass and an uneven pitch . You know what you’re going to be up against and they’re a very physical side. Which teammate would you want beside you in a last-minute tackle? Any of them really. Your rugby hero growing up? I didn’t really look up to one person, just watched a bit and tried to take little things from different people and put them into my game.
Favourite rugby memory (playing or watching)? Representing Sale Sharks Academy or any of my tours growing up. So many memories that’ll stay with me. If you weren’t playing rugby, what sport would you play instead? I’d Probably go back to tennis as I used to play and like to think I was quite good. What’s your go-to meal before/after a game? Scrambled egg on toast with pepper and salt with a glass of blackcurrant squash, then a red bull just before kick off. Favourite music to get hyped before a match? Has to be house music before a game and the go to to song is Sippin Yak ( Morgan Seatree Remix) What have you liked so far at Birkenhead? I’ve liked the team building trip to Trawsfynydd and getting to know the lads away from rugby. I also enjoyed learning a new way of playing with different people and hopefully able to have a good season. One thing fans would be surprised to learn about you? I used to be a barista.
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Have fun! Make new friends! Get fit! Plus end of season tour! Tel: 0151 652 4646
TEAM CAPTAINS & COACHES
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: Jack Ashcroft Vice Captains: Jacob Ainscough Coaches: Dave Hall, Matt Ibbotson, Dave Ibbotson, Martin O’Keefe
2nd XV Team Captain: Dave Power Vice Captain: Jack McCabe
3rd XV Team Captain: Mike Stormes Vice Captain: Charlie Devitt
1st XV Ladies Team Captain: Jaime Stanton Girls U12-U18: Carrie Chapman Minis Safeguarding Officer: Dawn Skeoch Londono
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OFFICIAL GROUNDKEEPING PARTNER TO ENGLAND RUGBY
Birkenhead Park
FIRST TEAM SQUADS
Birkenhead Park
Douglas (I.O.M)
1.Bevan Williams 2.Dylan Gray 3.Pete Doolan 4.Niall Cavanagh 5.Harry Perkins 6.Jack Ashcroft (C) 7. Matt Walls 8.Jorge Lewtas 9.Jacob Ainscough 10. Liam Isaacs 11.Adam Roscoe 12.Adam Wellington 13.Dan Morgan 14.Nathan Lewis 15.Freddie Arista
1.Si Hoddinott (C) 2.Josh Cambell 3.Owen Carvin 4.Blake Snell 5.Kudzai Chenda 6.Thumbiko Chenda 7.Cal Dentith 8.Harry Cartwright 9.Craig Martin 10.Matty Wood 11.Oli Corkish 12.Luke Parry 13.Wilf Kermode 14.Sam Mccord 15.Kyle Martin
16.Nic Witte 17.Jack Lewtas 18.Matt Waddington
16.Conor Garland 17.John Dutnal 18.Jonty Shimmin
Today’s Referee is of the Liverpool Society
WILL COULTER
URGENT: YOU HAVE TWO DAYS TO GET THE DISCOUNT ON YOUR MEMBERSHIP SUBS! THE OPPORTUNITY TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE 10% DISCOUNT ON YOUR MEMBERSHIP SUBS EXPIRES IN TWO DAYS (IF YOU ARE READING THIS AT THE MATCH). AT MIDNIGHT MONDAY 30 SEPTEMBER, APART FROM TURNING INTO A PUMPKIN A MONTH EARLY, THE FEE GOES UP FROM £90 TO £100 AND £60 TO £70 FOR SENIORS.
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BPFC 1ST XV FIXTURES Fixtures for 2nd XV, 3rd XV, and Panthers will appear in the next match programme. Please check our website and socials for regular updates.
DATE
OPPOSITION
H/A
FINAL SCORE
5 September (friendly)
Caldy
Home
L 31-40
12 September (Cheshire Vase)
New Brighton
Away
W 40-22
26 September
Douglas IOM
Home
3 October
Firwood Waterloo
Away
10 October
Burnage
Away
17 October
Kirby Londsdale
Home
24 October
Manchester
Away
31 October
Northwich
Home
7 November
Sandbach
Away
21 November
Warrington
Home
28 November
Widnes
Away
5 December
Wilmslow
Home
12 December
Burnage
Home
19 December
Winnington Park
Away
9 January
Douglas IOM
Away
16 January
Firwood Wilmslow
Home
23 January
Kirby Lonsdale
Away
6 February
Manchester
Home
13 February
Northwich
Away
20 February
Sandbach
Home
6 March
Warrington
Away
13 March
Widnes
Home
3 April
Wilmslow
Away
10 April
Winnington Park
Home
HWO - Home Walk Over
AWO - Away Walk Over
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GOOD PRE SEASON WORKOUT VS CALDY AND NEW BRIGHTON
Image: Nic Witte touches down vs Caldy
Both preseason matches were seen as a success in the sense that they gave the squad players time to gel as a unit, The results were not as important as the need to rehearse tactics against our neighbours, Caldy and New Brighton. The second match, a 40-22 win in the Cheshire Vase against New Brighton was more significant as it served as an opportunity for a potential extra home game in the next round. In particular, it was good to see former captain Adam Wellington return, after long term injury, to his more natural position in the centre and it was from here that he scored a first half try after a powerful crash ball through the middle of the Brighton defence. Whilst coach, Martin O’Keefe declared that there was “much to work on” in the after match debrief no doubt how a healthy 14-5 lead turned into a 14-17 reverse at half time just when the forwards had apparently gained control. Nevertheless, he will have been heartened by a more comfortable four try 26-5 return in the second half. The game against Caldy was a typical first game out kind of affair with both sides making multiple changes throughout the game, Caldy running out 31-40 winners after a tight 19-19 tie at the break.
Image: Dylan Gray touches down vs New Brighton
Tackles were assertive and there was no shortage of verve from both squads. The try of the game was undoubtedly full back Freddie Arista’s switch kick across to the scoreboard corner around ten yards from the halfway line with recipient Dan Stanton diving behind the dead ball line to score. Discipline is still an aspect to work on, it must be said. Park finished the Brighton game with 14 men. Referees will interpret the rules in different ways in the forthcoming season and being aware of sir’s preferences early in the game will help to ensure the whistle is blown for Park rather than against. Overall, Park will be confident of a good league position in 26/27 beginning with a tough game against Douglas before travelling to Blundellsands for what is an early derby match this year against Firwood Waterloo.
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LIONS ORIGIN RUGBY CLUB RELIVES UNSURPASSED LIONS TRIUMPH
A new stage play by Meols writer Mari Lloyd about Welsh rugby star John Bevan starts its Northern Autumn Tour at Birkenhead Park rugby club. John Bevan Team Player-from Lions to League, will be performed at the Pursglove suite at Birkenhead Park Rugby Club in October, marking the 55th anniversary of the only defeat of the All Blacks in a test series by a touring British Lions squad. The play covers three pivotal years in the life of Welsh rugby legend John Bevan. Starting with the British Lions triumph over the All Blacks in the 1971 test series, it continues with the success of the Barbarians in 1973 and ends with Bevan’s first season playing rugby league for Warrington having switched codes. And in the 1970s that meant that there was no way back. For a Welsh international, “going North” could mean glory or the end of a dream. Writer Mari Lloyd said, “I’m fascinated by sport and how that links to history, heritage, national and regional identity. I also wanted to look at success and how we define that.” ‘To us, it’s not just a game. It’s who we are’. The play asks questions about the outer trappings of success and looks at the more important inner feelings of self-worth and connection to a team, a place and a community. It’s fitting that the play is performed at Birkenhead Park Rugby club as it has the honour of being a Lions Origin club; recognised as a club that has shaped the future of the Lions by producing and guiding players on their rugby journeys. The play has been performed in South Wales and at the Halliwell Jones Stadium as part of Warrington wolves 150 th anniversary celebrations. A further extension of the tour has been made possible by the support of Simon Moran of S.J.M. Concerts, owner of Warrington Wolves.
LIONS ORIGIN RUGBY CLUB RELIVES UNSURPASSED LIONS TRIUMPH
“Having watched the play in Warrington, I was delighted to help get it more widely seen. The story of John is told brilliantly; I’ve been a fan of John since the first game I watched Warrington at Wembley in 1975” Simon Moran. “This is a magnificent piece of theatre… Actor Scott Gutteridge delivers an absolutely stellar, powerhouse performance… Directed seamlessly by Julia Stubbs, the production balances raw athletic intensity with deeply personal, vulnerable reflections.” Review from Warrington Worldwide This new production builds on the successful first collaboration of playwright Mari Lloyd and director/producer Julia Stubbs. Creative Team: Written by Mari Lloyd, directed by Julia Stubbs, performed by Scott Gutteridge. Lighting by Jonathan Samuels, Sound design by Jamie Lu. Produced by Still Here Productions and 20 South Street with Grey Swan.
THE PURSGLOVE SUITE BIRKENHEAD PARK RUGBY CLUB 8TH OCTOBER AT 7.PM | 11TH OCTOBER AT 3PM Running time: 95 minutes plus interval
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ENTENTE CORDIALE SUSPENDED FOR 80 MINS
Congratulations to Park flanker Jake Bennett as he once again represented British Police in a 29-14 victory over the French Police. The British Police side embarked on a series of friendlies and carried on where they left off last season with a series of wins against international opposition.
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COACH O'KEEFE LOOKS FORWARD TO THE NEW SEASON
It’s great to be back playing rugby after an extended preseason, due to the RFU decision to delay the start of the season as a consequence of drought conditions of a glorious summer. We managed to turn around our fortunes last season and we hope to continue that upward curve this season. We have a new coaching team this year; Dave Hall has taken the lead coaching role alongside myself with Matt & Dave Ibbotson working with the forwards. A coaching team steeped in Birkenhead Park, with over 1000 playing games between them. Jack Ashcroft has assumed the captaincy and I’m sure will lead from the front. Training has gone well and we are looking forward to getting back to competitive action. Player wise we have managed to retain our entire squad from last season and added a good young Welsh prop, Bevan Williams. Please make him feel welcome.
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N O S ’ T A H W HERE’S A ROUNDUP OF WHAT ELSE YOU CAN ATTEND AT THE UPPER PARK.
ALL EVENTS ARE OPEN TO NON-MEMBERS LAST MINUTE BOOKINGS FOR CASH AND ELVIS Only a few tickets now remain for the Johnny Cash night at Birkenhead Park Saturday 7th November. It promises to be another amazing night! Book early to avoid disappointment. Email Martin at bpfc1871@gmail.com to find out about “cry offs” or last minute availability. The same applies for the Elvis “King at Christmas” show on 27th December. Both Jason Dale shows are £300 per table of 10 or £35pp, the latter being a matinee.
INTERESTED IN ORGANISING AN EVENT? Our Pursglove suite is open for bookings (up to 60) and our main function suite for bigger numbers is also available
New Members’ Offers Sundays
OUT WITH THE OLD, IN WITH THE NEW. OUR LATEST OFFERS ARE HERE AND BETTER THAN EVER.
Sunday Roasts are BACK! New Pursglove function room 12.30-4.30 on the following dates:
ENJOY YOUR ROAST: Sun 30th Nov with a St Andrews Day twist. Festive Menu Sun 20th Dec Two courses £17.50 / Three courses £22.50 Traditional roast available Beef / Supreme of chicken or a vegetarian Wellington. Limited availability - any questions, ask Monty or team - booking required.
Happy Hour Member Pricing: 20% off all drinks Sun (12pm) - Fri (6pm) 10% off all drinks Fri (6pm) - Sun (12pm) Food Discount: 10% off all meals every day (excl. bar snacks)
MEMBERSHIP HAS ITS PERKS! Come and make the most of them
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BIRKENHEAD PARK F.C. A BRIEF HISTORY
49 INTERNATIONALS FOR ENGLAND, SCOTLAND AND WALES 155 YEARS OF COMMUNITY RUGBY 1871 1885 1887
1892 1894 1899 1902 1903 1905 1908 1914-1918
1920’s
1924 1926-1927 1925-1929 1934 1939 1939-1945 1948 1950 1951 1955 1961 1966 1971 1974 1974 1978 1984 2000 2002 2008 2015 2024
Formed by the merger of two Clubs - Claughton and Birkenhead Wanderers. Earlier than the formation of the RFU. Club moved to The Upper Park. Wales v Ireland - Home International at The Upper Park a ‘Home’ match for Wales which they won 1-0 under the scoring system of the time. The only time a Home international has been played in a country outside of the two combatants. Original Pavilion (Still part of current Clubhouse) Built England v Wales Home International – a Home Fixture for England at The Upper Park. England won 23-4 BPFC v Barbarians at The Upper Park we won 9 - 8! Harry Alexander (forward) becomes First Park player to Captain England (v Wales) P.D. ‘Toggie’ Kendall (scrum half) becomes second player to Captain England (v Scotland) Cheshire v New Zealand All Blacks at The Upper Park - with 10 Park players and captained by Toggie Kendall. Cheshire v Australia at the Upper Park - Australia went on to beat Cornwall in the Olympic Final of that year (the only two teams entered) Park lost 75 Club members who fought and died for their Country in the Great War including Toggie Kendall and Harry Alexander. Both men then in their mid 30’s, ex England Captains, and Barbarians. Club sides re-built after the war with an outstanding record i.e. losing only two games in the 1920-21 season against all the UK and Ireland top clubs with HM Locke and WM Lowry as centre partners for Club and Country Cheshire v New Zealand Invincibles at The Upper Park James (Bim) Baxter “The Most Hated Man in New Zealand” ex Olympian, England International and Lions manager (twice) becomes RFU President. J. R. Paterson became Scotland’s most capped player ;21 tests including Grand Slam in 1925, victory over Australia in 1927 and the first side to beat England at Twickenham Lancashire and Cheshire v New Zealand at The Upper Park Park appeared at Twickenham in the Middlesex Sevens 30 Club members pay the Ultimate Sacrifice in The Second World War Park’s Last International Player - (so far!) JSM Scott (England) Cheshire won County Championship v Devon at The Upper Park Lancashire, Cheshire, Cumberland & Westmorland, Combined v South Africa at Park Park v Dublin Wanderers at Lansdown Road Cheshire won Country Championship v East Midlands at The Upper Park John Robins former goal kicking international prop for Wales and The Lions (1950 v Australia and New Zealand) appointed manager of Lions tour to New Zealand. RFU International Presidents XV v North of England Celebrating Park’s Centenary North of England V Tonga Former Player Bob Weighill appointed Secretary of the RFU North of England v New Zealand at The Upper Park North V Romania (Rob Andrew’s International Trial) Birkenhead Park v West Indies Park provide three players for County Championship Final against Gloucester, at Twickenham Cheshire Cup Winners EDF Intermediate Cup Final v Chester at Twickenham Cheshire Vase Winners Cheshire Vase Winners