WEST Park came to Lightfoot Green on Saturday February 1, sharing the same unbeaten record that Preston Grasshoppers U14s were protecting.

Scrum half James Mahon's darting run from 10 metres out led to the opening score, converted by Tom Sumner. West Park struck back with a slick three-quarters move to close the gap to 7-5 but Hoppers then camped within the West Park 22 metres line.

The second half opened with Hoppers dominant but they failed to score. 12-10 soon became 12-17 as West Park again kicked up-field for their centres to engineer another try under the posts.

In danger of being eliminated, the Preston side engaged in a do-or-die effort before winger Keith Walmsley finished off a well rehearsed move. Despite the draw, Hoppers go through on points difference.

The U10s demolished Southport with a much needed and well deserved 25-0 win, Charles Cuddy's two tries being the highlight of a great team effort.

On Saturday, the U11s second string lost 24-28 to a strong Aspatria team before the 1st XV's league fixture.

Man of the match Chris Rush's tackling earned praise from opposition and crowd alike.

Both sides matched each other try for try, the turning point being Hoppers' third conversion attempt, the ball toppling off the tee during the kicker's approach run.

Amongst the tries scored, Rosie Keithley's sprint down the left wing left the crowd cheering the loudest as her despairing drive for the line fell agonisingly short of the line.

Despite Jason Murch switching the play from open to blind side, the ball simply didn't go to hand at the right time.

At the final whistle, Aspatria had hung on for their deserved win.

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