IN this relegation contest West Park can once again count themselves unlucky sustaining injuries

during the match , captain Matt Cozens, and flanker Jack Davies both having to leave the field and stand off Lee Rosney taken ill at the start of the game but valiantly persevering on the wing.

Both sides realised the importance of the fixture which was played with plenty of spirit and determination.

An early penalty converted by the home side was quickly cancelled out by an excellent try from winger Matt Appleton after good work by hooker Andrew Sterry and full back John Pape, who converted the try.

The home side’s forwards often had the better of the visitors lighter pack, and from close range, a catch and drive brought them a try which was then converted.

The lead changed hands again as Park’s backs moved the ball at speed across their line, and good hands from centre Danny Green and Lee Rosney saw speedy winger Matt Appleton cross for his second try, which wasn’t able to be converted.

As half time approached the home side scored a carbon copy of their earlier try, as a forwards surge from close range catch and drive brought them a further score, the try being converted.

In this see-saw game, and on the stroke of half time, an excellent assist from centre Green saw the mercurial full back John Pape round the cover to score an excellent try which Rosney converted giving the visitors a 19pts to 17pts lead to take into the second half.

The visitors struck again early after the interval, and their forwards, playing with greater belief, spoiled the home side’s possession, and an ever alert prop Kurt Riley powered over for a try , again the conversion being unsuccessful, but a bonus point being assured.

Altrincham / Kersal’s forwards began once again to assert their authority and after a series of drives, and despite some heroic defence, they levelled the scores with a converted try..

West Park went close on several occasions to add to their points tally, but it was the visitors who eventually took the game with another push over try from close range Credit must go to Park’s emergency stand off Dom Basley who had a fine game, as did prop Kurt Riley, full back John Pape and speedy winger Matt Appleton.

Though relegated West Park can take great comfort that with a more settled side and fewer injuries this season they would have readily retained their place in this competitive league to which they must aim to return as quickly as possible.

Park’s last remaining fixture sees then travel to Warrington on 22 April.