HOPPERS won the Lancashire Cup for the first time in their fourth final in an entertaining match at Sedgley Park.
The lead changed hands several times with both teams having dominant spells.
Steve Gough gave Hoppers an early lead with a drop goal and scored first half tries through Anton Cramant, Charlie DuPre and Oliver Viney.
This was in response to three penalties and a converted try by the St Helens side for a half time lead of 18-16.
A fourth penalty by former Orrell full back Martin Strett put West Park back in front to stir Hoppers.
A try by John Chesworth converted by Gough who also landed two penaties put Hoppers 12 points ahead.
West Park refused to give up and an unconverted try narrowed the gap before Gough second drop goal eased the nerves.
Even deep into added time Park had the last word with a converted try.
But it was to Hoppers turn be winners at last and it was fitting that Chesworth, the captain who started his Hoppers career as a junior, should lift the trophy in his 332nd match.
Final score: Preston Grasshoppers 34 West Park 31
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