Milnrow 0 Albert Park 18

Sep 6 2007 Runcorn & Widnes Weekly News

PROMOTED Park began life in Division Two with an excellent win against a big Rochdale outfit.

Outstanding defence gained them the points and kept Milnrow scoreless on their own pitch, which is never an easy place to go.

This is the first time Albert have won on opening day since 1997.

After 22 minutes play, the visitors took the lead with an out-of-the-blue try from Shaun McWhirter who pinched the ball in a one-on-one with Milnrow's full-back and raced in from 35 yards after following up his own kick.

The same player added the extras and with their tails up, the Albert defence forced the hosts to knock on in their own half for new signing James Noon to hot-foot it to the corner from a long pass by Richie O'Neill.

Scrum-half Chris Walton ran across the line before racing through a gap for Albert's third try and a 14-0 lead.

Milnrow responded well but there was no way through.

They pressed again upon the restart but Chris Lamey, Ian Abram, Brian Bond and Richie O'Neill in particular tackled anything that moved.

Park struggled to get out of their own half and conceded repeat sets by giving up possession too cheaply.

But their defence showed huge determination and in the latter stages, Albert's superior fitness shone through.

Mick Randall was pulled up five yards short but a quick play-the-ball saw Richie O'Neill spot a huge gap in Milnrow's defence to deservedly go over.

McWhirter was awarded man-of-the-match but all, from one to 17, played their part, with Noon and fellow newcomer Matty Burgess having fine debuts.

Albert Park visit Ulverston this Saturday - players and committee are asked to meet at Parklands at 10.30am.