Vagabonds (IOM) 14 West Park 24 THIS hard-earned win, along with second-placed Aldwinians' defeat at Penrith gives West Park a glimmer of hope of promotion.

Using the strengthening wind at their backs, Park were soon 12 points up with tries by winger Chris Stabler and full-back Nigel Heslop with Martin Strett passing 100 points for the season with one conversion.

Without a full strength front row, Park were struggling in the set scrums and the Vagabonds heavyweight pack soon made it tell with a pushover try by Lee Kennaugh converted by Chris Till.

Good possession was at a premium and Park used it well to create tries by Carl Bibby converted by Strett and a try by Phil Houlton to lead by 24-7 at half-time.

Now facing a gale force wind, Park's defences rose to the occasion and limited Vagabonds to a penalty try after a succession of attempted push-overs by the home pack to bring back the two vital league points. This Saturday Park travel to Southport for a third round Lancs Trophy game with entry into the semi-final the prize.

Other Saturday results: West Park 2nd 30 Wallasey 1st 17.

Sunday mini and junior scores: West Park under eights 20 Tarleton 10, West Park under nines 25 Tarleton 10, West Park under 11s 10 Tarleton 25, West Park under 14s 24 Ormskirk nil, West Park under 16s 20 Preston G H 5.

Lancashire Cup semi-finals - Final in April versus either Sedgley Park or Widnes: West Park Colts 57 Fylde Colts 5.

With team captain Liam McLoughlin returning after a six week injury absence, visitors Fylde had no answer to the pace and power of the home side.

Substitute back Gareth Fishwick came off the bench to score five of Parks nine tries. The team have notched up 172 points in their last three outings conceding only 10 in reply.

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