At the start of the season we travelled to Birkenhead Park and narrowly lost a game which we controlled until the final quarter. On Saturday it was Park who were in control. Their powerful pack, complemented by their structured play and excellent control at fly half, ensured that Carlisle, whilst battling throughout, were always second best to a side who clearly demonstrated why they are heading the table at the halfway point in the campaign.

The afternoon did , who not start well for Carlisle a try almost from the kick off. Throughout the match the power of the Park forwards was a bit too much for us, and when we did manage to win possession the speed of their defensive line prevented us from gaining any dominant field position. For the rest of the half Carlisle stayed in the game and limited Park to second try and a half time score of 0-14. When at the start of the second half Dan Holmes scored an early try for Carlisle it seemed as if we might find a way back into the game.

But ultimately Park's power told and times they were clinical with ball in hand. They added three second half tries to secure the bonus point win, with their powerful driving maul particularly to the fore.

There were positives for Carlisle, including the return from injury of James Brocket, and the debut of young winger Scott Hogarth.

Head coach Gary Hewer insists that hard work and commitment are key for the second half of the season. The side will now have two weeks off with games resuming on 3rd January. “There’s no secret ingredient to turn things round,” Hewer said. “It will take hard work and commitment from everyone at the club. Birkenhead Park are where they are for a reason for their consistent performances. We now have to dust ourselves down; we’ll be training as normal this week and then we face a tough trip away at Wilmslow for the first game of 2015.”

Carlisle are currently ninth in North One West after six wins and eight defeats.