West Park 24 Wharfedale XV 13 AFTER such one extended sequence of league and cup games enthusiasm for this friendly fixture against a 'mixed' Wharfedale side wasn't exactly in evidence.

And almost inevitably an injury occurred - this time to player coach Steve Bibby, who suffered serious facial damage early in the game.

It came just after the visitors had taken a shock lead with a converted try by their fly-half. Park's rearranged pack took time to settle but put in some good support work to send Elliot Langhton in for an unconverted try. Half-backs Ian Pearce and Martin Strett did well to gain possession from a retreating scrummage to put winger David Abraham away and the teenager showed pace and power over 60 metres for a second unconverted try.

A penalty for off-side levelled the scores at 10-10 at half-time, scant reward for some good approach work by Park which however lacked the finishing touch.

The opening quarter of the second half saw West Park on top territorially. A good drive by the forwards sent Phil Houlton in for a try, Neil Houghton coming in to the senior side for the first time this season slotted over the conversion. Keith Hill replaced Neil Atherton and Harman Tuavao replaced Martin Strett and immediately distinguished himself with two try saving tackles.

A high tackle gave Wharfedale three points to make the score 17-13 and the Tongan centre combined with full-back Houghton to put Sean Fletcher, Park's man of the match, over for a deserved try, Houghton's conversion completed the scoring.

This Sunday Park visit either Rochdale or St Edwards OB's in the Lancs Trophy semi-final.

Other Saturday scores: West Park 2nd 10 Sefton 1st 20, Sefton 2nd 27 West Park 3rd 28, West Park 4th 39 Birkenhead Park XV 14.

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