WEST Park won a scrappy game at home to Sefton 21-16, but some ineffective tackling contributed to a poor spectacle.

After Sefton had opened the scoring with a penalty Park replied when winger Chris Fortune beat several players as he scythed through the defensive line to score an excellent try which full back Matt Savage converted.

Within minutes another good move by the Park’s backs saw winger Fortune repeat his earlier feat as he finished off in fine style from a flowing move initiated by Savage, who once again converted the try.

The visitors increasing forward power started to give their backs more ball, and a good passing movement across the back line saw speedy winger Clarkson cross at the corner for a fine try which failed to be converted.

After Park’s second row Jack Hughes was yellow carded for offside, Sefton converted an easy penalty to leave only a three point margin at the interval.

This somewhat lacklustre contest continued into the second half, the visitors forwards remaining dominant, especially after Park lost hooker Tom Williams to injury, forcing further re-organisation in the their pack.

The home side’s backs however always appeared to have the edge when in possession, and after second row Lewis Harris was held up over the try line skipper Rob Morley took a quick tap penalty to score near the posts.

Savage adding the conversion to give West Park some breathing space.

As the game drew to a close a series of penalties awarded against the home side allowed the visitors to gain considerable territorial advantage, and despite valiant efforts to contain the pressure Park conceded a push over try from close range, which however was not converted.

With only a five point margin the visitors continued to press hard, but a timely interception by Tom Fortune only 10 metres from his own line saw him gallop down field to retain possession and see out the game.

Flanker Patrick Loughnane was man of the match, and others will need to match his tackling and work rate against Winnington Park at Red Rocks on Saturday, kick off 2.15pm