WEST Park’s fixture with Glossop has often proved to be a close affair, and so it proved once again, with the lead changing hands on several occasions until they triumphed 24-21.

Park struck first with an early try by prop Craig Dyas who finished off an excellent break by full back Matt Savage. Savage added to the home side’s tally with a well taken penalty, but Glossop added two of their own, bringing the half time score to 10-6.

Glossop struck first in the second half as a penetrating kick was expertly picked up by winger Cassell to score a try, which though unconverted nonetheless gave Glossop a slender lead.

The game continued to be finely balanced and Park introduced Jack Hughes for his first game in the senior team, replacing the hard working Tom Fortune in the pack. It took an exciting run by winger Oliver Berry to break the deadlock, and his somewhat loose inside pass found prop Martin Kimberley in support to gather and cross for a try which was duly converted by full back Savage Glossop however soon hit back and from a five-metre scrum Park were forced to concede a push over try which went unconverted, leaving them with only a one point margin.

The visitors eventually took the lead as a speculative kick was mis-fielded by Park and the visitors scrum half and captain Edwards gathered to score a somewhat fortuitous try which though unconverted gave Glossop a four point lead.

Park continued to press and were rewarded when Liam Hill and Matt Savage continued a move from a line out to feed winger Berry who scored in the corner.

A magnificent conversion from the touchline by Savage proved to be the final score in an evenly contested opening fixture.

Park’s 1st XV travel to Douglas for what will be another stern test .

Other results: Preston 3rd XV 33 West Park 2nd XV 12, West Park 3rd XV 26 Southport 22.