WIRRAL beat Anselmians 14-27 at Malone Field in the first league match between the two local sides for over ten years.

In the first quarter of the game it was Wirral who were in control but the visitors  did not score their first points until the 20th minute when Evan Robinson scored from an astute Jimmy Annetts kick.

The second try for Wirral came when Anselmians fumbled the ball in midfield and a kick ahead resulted in Mark Edwards outpacing the defence to score.

In the minute before half time Anselmians scored when their forwards forced their way over the line to leave the score 7-12 at half time.

In the second half, Anselmians had more possession and territory, but Wirral extended their lead with a penalty and a well-executed try by Tom Akehurst.

Further pressure came from the home side and only stout defence from Wirral kept them at bay until the forwards forced their way over for a second try.

The final try of the afternoon came when Akehurst kicked to the wing and Edwards gathered at pace to run over and give Wirral a vital try scoring bonus point.

The win lifts Wirral to fifth in the table and both teams do not play again until November 4.