West Park 10 Wigan 10 (after extra time) WEST Park's much-vaunted scoring machine which was averaging more than 30 points a match up to the beginning of April has virtually ground to a standstill in recent weeks.

Too much reliance on forward play and the tactical kicking game seldom looked like breaking a resilient Wigan defence which deservedly earned a share of the trophy after extra time at Orrell's Edgehall Road on Sunday. Indeed it is very likely that if veteran playmaker Peter Williams had not suffered an ankle injury at half-time, which necessitated his withdrawal, Wigan would have taken the trophy.

A drop goal by the former International at both rugby codes opened the Wigan account and a dummy scissors and long pass by Williams sent in winger Andy Gibson to the corner, the former Orrell fly-half adding a touchline conversion.

Destined to play 'catch-up' rugby for the second half Park still adhered to their forward drive and kicks to touch and looked to have said goodbye to their third trophy win in five years. Wigan's reorganised back line, however, made the vital mistake snapped up by Park winger Paul Bailey who made light of the pursuing defence over 80 metres to score between the posts, Strett converting and kicking a penalty to level the scores.

Wigan's introduction of their forward coach Andy McFarlane saw tremendous pressure on the Park line only for an attempted push-over to fail and the ball desperately cleared. Extra time arrived and went with only a missed penalty and two drop goal attempts by Strett getting nearer to breaking the deadlock as the scores remained level as the referees whistle signalled 'no side'.

West Park face a two week lay-off before their final league game of the season on May 15 at Aldwinians.

Other Saturday scores: West Park 3rd 27 Shell 2nd 12; Shell 3rd 38 West Park 4th 7.

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