THERE was no sign of any cup-tie hangover from last week as West Park controlled this league game by denying their opponents much possession, and when required proved unyielding in defence.

An early individual try by fly half Neil Ryan under the posts left Andy Soutar with an easy conversion to give Park a seven point lead after only five minutes.

Park kept a tight grip on the game throughout, being particularly effective at the line out play where second row forward Dave Westhead was outstanding.

Penalties either side of half time saw Soutar stretch Park's lead to 13 points, and Ryan's excellent kicking game kept Vale very much on the back foot.

After a brief rally by the home side, Park hit back with a classic try involving smooth handling by their backs and finished off in style by full back Mark Turner, with Soutar converting to give Park a 20 point lead.

A long range penalty gave Vale their only score, but Park had the last word with another fine try by Soutar which he was however unable to convert.

Overall this was an excellent display by Park, particularly by their pack in which skipper McLoughlin was particularly impressive, all of which should bode well for next week's re-arranged league game at Chester.

Kendal 2XV 16 West Park 50

Park's youthful team coped well with several enforced changes, and maintained their 100 per cent league record with a fine win over much more experienced opposition.

Kendal relied heavily on forward power but showed little finesse, however denying Park much clean possession to enable their back division to show their skill with ball in hand.

Park coped effectively with their limited possession, and when able to get the ball to the backs cut through the home defence with ease, eventually notching up eight tries, with fly half Stanley converting five.

In such a forward battle the pack had to work particularly hard, none more so than Ward and Burrows both of whom had an excellent game, with a particular mention needed for prop and acting skipper Ian Farrar who led his men by example.

Next week Park 2XV enter the Halbro Cup competition with a home game against Wirral, kick off 3pm.

Other results: West Park 3XV 43 Glossop 2XV 17, West Park Warriors 32 Merseyside Police 17

West Park Under 14's 10 v Liverpool Collegiate 69

Although Collegiate outplayed park, and fully deserved their victory, the home team will be disappointed that their unbeaten start to the season was ended in such a one sided affair.

Poor defence and uncertainty in attack contributed to Park's downfall, and although they rallied briefly in the second half, two consolation tries from Park's man of the match Sean Dingsdale was just about all they deserved.