A TOP of the table clash between local rivals proved to be the close encounter many of the large crowd expected, West Park’s eventual victory enabling them to replace LSH as league leaders.

Almost from the kick off the home side were awarded a penalty which winger Warren Hunt converted.

Fielding the ball from the re-start Park’s second row Tom Fortune suffered a badly dislocated knee, requiring professional medical assistance, resulting in the play being suspended for some 55 minutes.

From the resumption the visitors enjoyed the majority of possession in the first half, their pack being particularly dominant.

This superiority eventually led to a ruck and maul close to Park’s line, and a try for back row Mark Bonati who crashed over from close range.

West Park defended well but were guilty of a number of indiscretions, particularly at the breakdown areas, and were suitably punished by LSH winger Dan Filson, who converted two penalties to give the visitors an 8 point lead.

Despite limited good possession Park’s back division always looked dangerous with ball in hand, and after a spell of close inter-passing the ball was switched to winger Warren Hunt who crossed for a try to which he then added an excellent conversion from the touchline, reducing the margin between the teams to a single point.

Handling the ball in the ruck was adjudged to be serious enough for Park’s prop Tom Williams to be shown a yellow card, and Filson made no mistake in converting the resultant penalty to bring the score to 14-10 at half time.

Park introduced prop Brad Murray and flanked Marc Bailey in the second half, and began to enjoy more controlled possession, particularly in the set pieces.

Though now having perhaps their best spell of the game, another penalty awarded against them at the breakdown afforded Filson to add a fourth successful penalty to give the visitors a seven-point lead going into the last quarter of the game.

The home side were however not prepared to accept defeat, and an excellent handling movement was expertly finished off by centre Kal Warburton for a try wide out which Hunt was not able to convert.

With the game drawing to a close Hunt made amends for his previous miss by slotting over a final penalty, to give the home side a narrow victory.

Throughout there were notable performances from LSH half backs Wilson and McClurg, with Filson’s place kicking almost

proving decisive, and the introduction of Murray at prop gave Park a steadier platform from which to serve their elusive back line.

Another fine defensive display by the home side’s back row contributed to a memorable win, although for his overall input in both attack and defence, the man of the match accolade was rightly awarded to centre Liam Hill.

West Park travel to Manchester for what will undoubtedly be another stern test of character and skill.

Littleborough 2nd XV 27 West Park 2nd XV 24

With a depleted side the visitors were unlucky to lose to a penalty try in the last few minutes of a hard contest.