WEST Park started the new year with an excellent and impressive 29-15 win against sturdy and resolute opponents, taking them back to the top of the league with a five point victory.

The home side opened the scoring early in the first half with a penalty, but three tries before half time was always likely to be enough for the visitors to secure the win.

Park’s first try after some 10 minutes was the product of some excellent running rugby, with centre Liam Hill’s dummy pass making space for supporting full back John Pape to cross under the posts, the try converted by Jack Holland.

An injury to stand off Lee Rosney required a reorganisation in the visitors backline and both sides battled hard to gain the upper hand.

After another trademark mazy run by winger Ryan Littler, his pass found Hill in support to cross for a second try which Holland again converted.

Shortly afterwards Park were reduced to 14 men as flanker Winstanley was shown the yellow card for an alleged high tackle.

Not fazed by this setback Park continued to press, and as half time approached a quickly take tap penalty by scrum half Smith found prop Berry who out-muscled the home defence to score a try wide out which went unconverted, but gave the visitors a well earned 19 points to 3 point lead at the break.

The second half proved to be much more equal affair, and after another Holland penalty conversion and several tactical substitutions, Park scored their fourth try after a catch and impressive drive saw prop Martin Kimberley awarded the touchdown, Holland converted to stretch the lead to 26 points.

A poor pass from a scrum by the visitors allowed the home side to intercept and score a somewhat fortuitous try , the conversion from under the posts being a formality. With the game closing to an end, Park were caught napping in defence, and a kick and chase brought Aldwinians another try which went unconverted, the final score being somewhat unrepresentative of Park’s overall dominance.

Next week West Park travel to meet Didsbury Toc H to contest a league cup fixture, kick off 2.15pm.