Although it was an ideal day for rugby, neither side was able to take advantage of the conditions, resulting in a rather close if dull affair.

Park had the better of the first half chances and opened the scoring after 18 minutes' play with a fine individual try from Liam Hill but failed to take several penalty opportunities that were to prove decisive in the end.

With ample possession throughout the game, Park were unable to capitalise out wide with chances sometimes squandered in good positions.

New Brighton responded with a converted try of their own after 24 minutes and although Park edged further ahead with a penalty, the visitors ground out a further try on the stroke of half-time to take an unlikely four point lead into the break.

Park started the second half brightly to take back the lead with a converted try from Houlton but a rare lapse in Park's defence saw the visitors respond with a try of their own by the posts to restore their four point advantage.

In the final quarter, Park came under constant pressure with New Brighton taking several of Park's lines.

The visitors fought hard for a bonus point try but Park's defence held firm, restricting them to one further penalty score to keep them one place ahead of Park in the table.

A visit to Southport is on the cards for next week with Park hoping to improve their league position and get back to winning ways.