IT was not the best of start to the new league season for the top Wirral clubs.

Caldy fell 17-45 away to Hull Ionians in National Two North League and there were defeats for Birkenhead Park 21-27 at Kendal and New Brighton 17-25 at home to Wilmslow in North One West League.

Wirral fared best with a tense 25-25 finish at home to Rossendale in their debut in National Three North.

Caldy found life hard against a useful Ionians pack but managed two tries via Richard Vasey and Gareth Roberts plus both conversions and a penalty.

The winners gained six tries in all including a penalty try for a bonus point.

Wirral fought back well against Rossendale after trailing 5-20 early in the second period and nealy won in the closing stages as Rossendale hung on grimly for a share of the spoils.

Craig Harvey, Keith Mahon and James Annetts crossed for Wirral with two conversions and a brace of penalties from Harvey.

Birkenhead Park nearly tipped the balance in Cumbria but were just held up in a last minute drive to the Kendal line.

Rob Doolan after just two minutes and Danny Rich in the second half touched down for Park. Dave Hall added one conversion and also landed a trio of penalties but it was not quite enough on the day which did realise a bonus point.

Park were missing their first choice props including new skipper Matt Ibbotson so Jack Ashcroft led the side.

New Brighton fought hard at home to Wilmslow but in the end went down 17-25.

Hoylake lost 7-17 at Winnington Park in South Lancashire/Cheshire One.

In Division Two Port Sunlight were on the wrong side of a 15-22 finish against Southport whilst Prenton fell 15-50 at home to Ormskirk.

Caldy have a Sunday date this weekend with Chester providing the opposition for what promises to be a tense Cheshire derby. Chester narrowly won their opening fixture.

Wirral journey to Cleckheaton on Saturday in National Three North whilst in North West One Birkenhead Park entertain Carllsle with New Brighton due at Bolton.

Fixtures in the various divisions of the South Lancashire/Cheshire League include Anselmians v Ruskin Park, Glossop v Hoylake, Moore v Prenton, Ormskirk v Port Sunlight; Ellesmere Port v Oxtin Parkonians, Helsby v Oldershaw and Linley v Wallasey.