FOR successive weeks West Park left it late to win the game, and once again it was in the final analysis thanks to stand off Lee Rosney, whose late drop goal sealed the victory in this hard fought contest.

Rochdale’s lively back line troubled the visitors throughout the game, but Park’s forwards’ power and persistence kept them in the game, hooker Andrew Sterry’s recording a telling four strikes against the head.

The home side opened the scoring early in the game with a series of drives after a winning a lineout, a try which was duly converted.

Although the visitors were still competing well, Rochdale added to their score in a similar fashion to their first try, although this time the conversion attempt was missed.

As half time approached Park began to assert themselves to a greater extent, and a fine break by Sterry saw the ball re-cycled at speed via Rosney to winger Josh Ainsworth who powered over for an excellent try.

The conversion attempt was missed leaving the home side starting the second half in the lead by 12 pts to 5 pts.

The visitors success at the end of the first half gave them a lift, and a greater belief in their collective ability saw them soon draw level with a good try from winger Sam Kerfoot after excellent build up play again featuring Sterry and Rosney, the latter adding the conversion.

Although Rochdale continued to look dangerous with ball in hand, the visitors were next to score after a mesmeric 60 metre run from full back John Pape, left several defenders in his wake to score a spectacular try which Rosney converted.

The home side continued to trust in their lively back line as often as possible, and another slick passing movement brought them a try wide out which they were not able to convert, tying the scores at 17 points apiece. The visitors had been hampered by on field injuries to prop O’Hare and full back Pape, but successfully re-organised with Tom Fortune and Adam Smith proving more than adequate replacements.

With some 10 minutes of the match remaining, and after a series of unproductive attacks Rosney slotted over

a drop goal which proved to be the winning score.

The visitors were put under enormous pressure for the remainder of the game but were heroic in defence showing

great courage and determination to hold on for the victory.

Next week Park welcome Altrincham Kersal to Red Rocks , kick off 2.15 pm, and will undoubtedly look to another

steely collective performance to consolidate their league position with a further win.