Mason's boot the difference as West Park go down at Anselmians

Anselmians boasted the boot of former international Simon Mason whose three penalties proved to be the crucial difference between the sides.

In what proved to be a stop/start affair, neither side was allowed to play any sustained open or fluid rugby, as the official puzzled players and spectators alike with a series of contentious decisions and unnecessary and often excessive debate.

West Park’s forwards were not outclassed in any department, and hooker Kieran Simpson, in his first senior appearance, and scrum half Adam Smith, returning to the first XV after a long absence, played their part in full.

The visitors’ full back Matt Savage scored the first try after some excellent forward play, and later added to the score with a successful penalty kick.

Park were dealt a big blow when centre Danny Green was carried from the field after a clash of heads in making a tackle.

As a consequence it was the somewhat disjointed visitors who conceded two tries and two penalties to give the home side the lead of 16-8 at the half time break.

Alas, heated debate between the referee and the visitors’ prop Martin Kimberley after the half time whistle saw the Park player issued with a yellow card.

And to add insult to injury a penalty was awarded for the altercation on the resumption of the game, which was once again converted by stand-off Simon Mason.

The visitors were understandably rattled.

And now, with a man short, they conceded two further tries, one of which was converted by Mason.

To their credit the visitors continued to battle against the odds, and despite being subjected to a head tackle in the act of scoring Liam Hill jinked his way over for a well-earned try which Savage neatly converted to complete the scoring.

This young West Park team will undoubtedly regroup and continue with a justifiable belief in their abilities for next week’s fixture when they entertain Altrincham Kersal at Red Rocks. Kick off 3pm.