IN an excellent contest, and despite the valiant efforts of a re-invigorated West Park side, undefeated league leaders Kirkby Lonsdale were given probably their hardest match to date and were no doubt mightily relieved to keep their record intact.

The visitor’s South African import fly half Sia Alam was ultimately the difference between the two sides although Park’s forwards and in particular 2nd row Lewis Harris and man of the match Matt Cozens ran him close.

Park took the lead almost from the start as a mis-field by the opposition winger resulted in a line out which the home side won and drove over from close range for a try by Cozens, expertly converted by fly half Lee Rosney. Shortly afterwards he then converted a penalty to stretch the lead, but a crisp handling movement saw fly half Alam score a neat try which however he was not able to convert.

The visitors looked ominous when in possession and Alam crossed for another try after receiving the ball from a 5 metre scrum to give the visitors a two point lead which was quickly cancelled out by another successful penalty from Rosney. The home side stretched their lead as a box kick by scrum half Adam Smith was expertly gathered by Rosney to score a try to which he then added the conversion.

As half time approached in this enjoyable contest , a somewhat officious referee saw fit to show yellow card to two of Park’s front row forwards for technical infringements thus causing major disruption to the home side, and the resultant scrum under the posts provided the visitors with an easy push over try, leaving a one pointmargin in Park’s favour at the interval.

A depleted West Park were magnificent in defence, particularly given the strength of the opposition, but eventually surrendered the lead to a simple blind side move and try by scrum half and captain Walker which was not converted.

It looked like Park’s courageous efforts would be all to no avail as the visitors added to their score with another try orchestrated by fly half Alam, which though not converted stretched their lead to nine points.

The home side continued to believe in their ability to get something from the game, and from a good break by centre Dom Basley, his neat pass found Cozens in support to cross for a try to which Rosney added the conversion, narrowing the gap to only 2 points. The visitors however struck back with a try of their own after a good handling movement, a try which Alam converted to regain their 9 point advantage.

West Park’s refreshing never say die attitude then brought them a further try, winning a maul which was finished off in style from close range by 2nd row Lewis Harris, to reduce the visitors lead to a mere one point.

Finally as full time approached a penalty kick to touch resulted in a catch and drive from close range by the visitors, bringing them a try which sealed the result in their favour.

West Park came away with two league points, and can be justifiably proud of their collective effort against top class opposition, and will hopefully take a similar attitude and effort into next week’s fixture at Vale of Lune ( ko 2.15 pm)