Warrington 21

West Park 41 AFTER sharing the Lancashire Trophy with Wigan last season, West Park claimed it outright in their fourth Trophy final since the competition was revived in 1987/88.

They expected a much tighter struggle than that which ensued at Preston Grasshoppers on Sunday and in the early stages kicked for position and kept the ball tight. Warrington actually took an early lead when centre Anton Fields scored and fly-half Andy James converted in reply to Park's opening unconverted try by left-winger Steven Briers.

The Park pack held the upper hand, however, providing many chances for their backs to score. Steven Briers' second try regained Park's lead and Paul Bailey converted and then added a try himself which he converted to give Park a 19-7 interval lead.

Briers completed his hat-trick with an unconverted try and tries by Martin Strett and Chris O'Toole with a Bailey conversion as three quarter time arrived gave Park a 36-7 lead. A try by Alex Park for Warrington converted by James gave them a glimmer of hope but a corner flag try by Park's right winger Chris Stabler put the issue beyond doubt. A late try by Warrington's Andy Higginson again converted by James completed a 10-try extravaganza.

Park thus did the 'double' following up their championship triumph with this Lancashire Trophy success. However the season is not yet over as Parks players must draw on their reserves of stamina to entertain Vale of Lune in the Lancs Cup first round on Tuesday May 2 while defeated Trophy Finalists Warrington visit Liverpool St Helens.