Aldwinians 24

West Park 37

WEST Park reached the final of the Lancashire Trophy for the second year running on Sunday.

They started confidently and centre Paul Bailey kicked an early penalty gained from pressure on the home line.

And the the Aldwinians' defence was breached again with a try by flanker Phil Houlton converted by Bailey. Aldwinians were stung into a quick reply and took a 14-10 interval lead with some strong pressure which brought two converted tries.

But Park hit back when centre Phil Lawrenson took a smart interception to score and make Bailey's conversion a formality. Leading 17-14, Park brought on Steven Briers for Chris Stabler and the Durham student made his speed tell immediately with a clean break and a 50-metre run to the line. Bailey's conversion gave Park a 24-14 lead. A third converted try by Aldwinians cut Park's lead to three points but a Bailey penalty and a try by Steve Bibby in the corner converted from wide out by Glen Fletcher gave Park a seemingly unassailable lead. An exchange of penalties by Bailey and home kicker Mike Jackson in the closing minutes completed the scoring and joint holders West Park were through to the final.

This Saturday already relegated Ashton-on-Mersey visit Red Rocks for a 3pm kick-off.

Other Saturday scores: Collegiate OB XV 19 West Park 3rd 19.

Sunday

Lancashire Plate Final: West Park under 14s 29 Waterloo nil at Eccles.

Lancashire Colts Cup: West Park Colts 5 Preston Grasshoppers Colts 29.

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