Birkenhead Park 12, West Park 25

WEST Park gained their first league double of the season on Saturday.

It was also their 13th straight win and keeps them in top spot in the Thwaites North West One League.

In contrast to the clubs' meeting at Red Rocks last month and to many previous contests between the sides, this was an entertaining encounter.

West Park were always in the lead, but the result remained in the balance until the final quarter.

They made a flying start when a 30-metre forward drive and Neil Ryan's angled kick enabled Peter Osborne to touch down wide out.

Glen Fletcher missed the conversion, but he later produced a probing run down the left, which allowed Phil Lawrenson and Neil Ryan to feed Martin Strett.

The full-back sidesteped three would-be tacklers and touched down under the posts. Fletcher's simple conversion gave Park a 12-nil lead after only 10 minutes. But Birkenhead hit back when a clever line-out move put winger Steve Hancock over. Jason Gilbert converted.

The enterprising play continued as Strett fielded a kick on his own 22 and found Ryan with a 30-yard pass.

Ryan produced another long pass to centre Paul Bailey who scorched over for a try from 75 yards.

The home side were quick to respond and only a fine last-ditch tackles by Phil Houlton and Liam McLoughlin prevented tries.

But the Wirral side were not to be denied and Hancock's second try, just before the interval kept the game in the balance.

As the game entered the final quarter Glen Fletcher kicked a penalty.

And when the West Park pack won a heel against the head, the ball was worked to Chris Stabler and the winger set up prop Carl Wales for his first try for the club.

West Park's next game is a Lancashire Trophy first round tie at Red Rocks on Sunday, January 2.

And on Saturday, Janaury 8, they entertain Wigton in the fifth round of the NPI Cup.

Other result: Broughton Park 2nd nil West Park 2nd 18.

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