Sat 16 Feb 2019
In an excellent and keenly contested local derby, ably refereed by a young lady from Yorkshire Refs Society,
the home side proved worthy of the maximum league points earned with a show of resilience and determination
appreciated by a large crowd.
The visitors however were first to score, a cross-field move finding speedy winger McBride who crossed for a fine
try which was readily converted. Despite losing a player to a yellow card for technical infringements, Park hit back
to equalise after clever interplay between stand off Rosney and centre Green made an opening for supporting prop
Berry to crash over for a try duly converted by Holland.
Both sides were playing good physically challenging rugby, but without a further score, honour were even at half time
with 7 points apiece.
Despite spirited resistance from the visitors, the second half saw Park’s forward pack become evermore dominant
and the home side eventually scored a close range try via second row Harris after winning a 5 metre scrum.
Holland converted. Though LSH were always well in the game, Park’s continued pressure brought them a further try
as scrum half Smith provided an opportunity for hooker Sterry to touch down, Holland converting to stretch the lead to
12 points. With a slightly better advantage in the score changes were made as centre Hill and second row Jones
came off the bench to replace Basley and after a workmanlike performance, second row Morley. The game continued
to ebb and flow, and as the visitor’s scrum half received a yellow card Park made their increasing superiority tell as
centre Hill weaved his way through a tiring defence to find fellow centre Green in support to score Park’s bonus point
try, which Holland duly converted. .
With little time to go neither side settled for the result, and returning scrum half Wilson made a tremendous 30 metre
break but only a few metres from Park’s line lost the ball after a top class covering tackle from winger Ainsworth.
By common consent the home side proved worthy winners on the day, their forward pack in particular refusing to take
a backward step despite continuing pressure, epitomised by adjudged man of the match prop Olli Berry.
West Park’s next match is on 2nd March at Oldham when another difficult and likely to be forward dominated match
is in prospect.
the home side proved worthy of the maximum league points earned with a show of resilience and determination
appreciated by a large crowd.
The visitors however were first to score, a cross-field move finding speedy winger McBride who crossed for a fine
try which was readily converted. Despite losing a player to a yellow card for technical infringements, Park hit back
to equalise after clever interplay between stand off Rosney and centre Green made an opening for supporting prop
Berry to crash over for a try duly converted by Holland.
Both sides were playing good physically challenging rugby, but without a further score, honour were even at half time
with 7 points apiece.
Despite spirited resistance from the visitors, the second half saw Park’s forward pack become evermore dominant
and the home side eventually scored a close range try via second row Harris after winning a 5 metre scrum.
Holland converted. Though LSH were always well in the game, Park’s continued pressure brought them a further try
as scrum half Smith provided an opportunity for hooker Sterry to touch down, Holland converting to stretch the lead to
12 points. With a slightly better advantage in the score changes were made as centre Hill and second row Jones
came off the bench to replace Basley and after a workmanlike performance, second row Morley. The game continued
to ebb and flow, and as the visitor’s scrum half received a yellow card Park made their increasing superiority tell as
centre Hill weaved his way through a tiring defence to find fellow centre Green in support to score Park’s bonus point
try, which Holland duly converted. .
With little time to go neither side settled for the result, and returning scrum half Wilson made a tremendous 30 metre
break but only a few metres from Park’s line lost the ball after a top class covering tackle from winger Ainsworth.
By common consent the home side proved worthy winners on the day, their forward pack in particular refusing to take
a backward step despite continuing pressure, epitomised by adjudged man of the match prop Olli Berry.
West Park’s next match is on 2nd March at Oldham when another difficult and likely to be forward dominated match
is in prospect.
