A SCRAPPY game, played in bad weather conditions throughout, nonetheless saw West Park extend this season’s

unbeaten run, and once again pick up maximum league points.

The game was only 5 minute’s old when the home side’s early forward dominance allowed a smart breakout from

a rolling maul by second row Lewis Harris, who breezed through the defence to score a try which however went

unconverted.

Park continued to have the best of the play, and after winning a five-metre scrum moved the ball at pace

across the field to winger Warren Hunt who finished in style with a try in the corner, which again was not able to be converted.

An injury to prop Craig Dyas saw the introduction of Craig Potter at hooker , requiring the versatile

Andrew Sterry to cover at prop forward.

These changes however had no adverse effect on the home side’s dominance, and as half time approached a quickly taken tap penalty saw the ball pass through several pairs of hands for stand off Dominic Basley to score a neat try wide out, Hunt expertly converting to give Park a 17 point lead to take into the second half.

The poor weather conditions appeared to have an increasing influence as the game progressed into the second half,

becoming a scrappy affair with both sides lacking fluency and on several occasions careful control of the final ball.

Despite this Park always looked the more dangerous with ball in hand, and added a fourth try to earn the bonus point, as captain and winger Lee Rosney’s break found full back Matt Savage in support, he in turn passing to centre Josh Ainsworth who brushed aside several attempted tacklers in his 20 metre run to the line to score an excellent try under the posts, Hunt converting with ease.

With a 24 point lead and the game obviously won, the home side’s forward dominance was for once seriously challenged, and to their credit Hoylake managed to score two almost identical tries from close range forward drives, neither try however was able to be converted.

West Park, however, had the last word in this match as full back Matt Savage's trademark weaving run left several would be tacklers in his wake to cross for a fine try under the posts which Hunt readily converted.

Given the unfavourable conditions several players made notable contributions to Park’s success, the excellent line out work from second row Rob Morley and the overall work rate of prop and man of the match Martin Kimberley being particularly impressive.

Park travel to Glossop on Saturday, which will again prove a stern test in what will likely be difficult playing conditions.

Lancs Trophy 2nd Round.

Littleborough 2nd 22 West Park 2nd 10.