AFTER four hard games following the end of the league season where Wirral finished fourth they have now qualified for the National Finals of the Papa John’s Cup after beating Stockport 29-17 in the semi-final.

It was Wirral who started the stronger with controlled rugby to open up a 22-0 lead by half time with tries from Rhys James, captain Chris Crowley and the ever alert, Tom Akehurst, aided by goal kicking from Ben Brooks.

The second half saw an improved performance from Stockport playing with the benefit of the wind and after Wirral scored their fourth try through Hayden Long, the Stockport side came back into the game with three tries as they used their forwards to greater effect.

 The final will be played next Saturday at Worcester's Sixways Stadium against Oundle from Northamptonshire. 

There will be a large group of Wirral supporters at Worcester as they look to support the team having won the Shield competition last year.