Stockport 22 West Park 32

ALTHOUGH eventually running out worthy winners in this second consecutive away league game West Park's habit of giving the opposition a start and then having to play catch-up rugby will inevitably cost them dear.

Generous defence straight from a set-scrum gave Stockport a seven-point lead levelled when Chris Pennington backed up well to score his first try for Park since joining from Ruskin in the close season, Glen Fletcher adding the conversion.

More shaky defence allowed Stockport to go ahead 14-7, Glen Fletcher's penalty reducing the deficit before a midfield break by centre Paul Bailey put winger Chris Stabler over, Fletcher's recent good kicking form continuing with the conversion as Park led 17-14 at the interval.

Straight from the re-start Stockport regained the lead with an unconverted try and the nip-and-tuck exchanges continued with Fletcher's second successful penalty kick.

Typically, it was a West Park scoring burst that sealed the league points. Paul Bailey scored a well-taken try, Fletcher pulling the conversion wide. Then a super break by Phil Houlton saw the flanker give Peter Osborne a try, Fletcher this time converting. Stockport were limited to a late penalty to complete the scoring.

On Saturday Park entertain Cumbrian visitors Penrith and with an NPI Cup second round clash with holders Aldwinians to come on October 16, the strengthening of their senior squad continues with the signing of prop Carl Wales from LSH.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.