A TYPICALLY close encounter between Ruskin and West Park saw the home side’s forwards provide ample ball for their back division, but the visitor’s tackling was particularly effective.

And despite limited possession, especially in the first half, West Park’s backs always looked the more dangerous with the ball and came out on top 24-17.

A penalty by Adam Fogarty opened the scoring for Ruskin Park, but the lead soon changed hands as a flowing movement started by centre Liam Hill was carried on by the impressive Josh Ainsworth who found the equally impressive centre Danny Green on hand to score a quality try which the visitor’s full back, Matt Savage converted.

West Park’s tackling readily kept the home side at bay, but an injury to their hooker Andrew Sterry, replaced by the rapidly-improving Brad Murray, initially unsettled their pack, who conceded a push-over try from five metres on the stroke of half time, duly converted by Fogarty to give the home side a three-point lead at the interval.

Playing down the slope in the second half, West Park showed greater determination in taking the game to the home side, and an excellent break by centre Danny Green was finished off in style by winger Josh Ainsworth, the try being converted by full back Matt Savage regain back the lead.

The score was added to by Savage with a successful penalty kick, and with the visitor’s forwards now in the ascendency, particularly through the efforts of flanker Matt Cozens, number eight Matt Potter and man-of-the-match and captain Rob Morley, it came as no surprise that they created another try scored by prop Tom Williams and duly converted by Matt Savage.

With almost the last play of the game, Ruskin Park were awarded a penalty and taking a quick tap penalty scored a try from the resultant rolling maul, Fogarty converting to gain a bonus point.

West Park were the more experienced and better side on the day but it was another disappointment for the Ruskin side who again took an excellent top half of the table team to their limits.

On Saturday bottom of the table Hoylake, Ruskin’s bogey team, are the opponents.

West Park entertain Sefton at Red Rocks on Saturday, kick off 2.15 pm Other scores: West Park 2nd 29 Fleetwood 2nd 28, Sefton 3rd 0 West Park 3rd 22.