Lancashire Cup first round

West Park...27pts

Sedgley Park...17pts

SEDGLEY'S defence of their trophy lasted just one game. The team had trailed 0-12, had briefly led 17-15, and had finally fallen victim to two late tries in an exciting encounter.

Sedgleys young pack struggled for possession in the early stages and West Parks first half tries both came from rolling mauls. Big lock Sean Fletcher got the first, converted from the touchline by full-back Martin Strett, and number 8 Steve Bibby scored the second in the other corner.

But Sedgley, dangerous with ball in hand, finished the half strongly and ten minutes pressure resulted in a try for Jon Scales, in the starting line-up for the first time since his injury and looking very strong. Pete Roberts converted to reduce the deficit to 7-12 at half-time.

Another charge by Scales, plus a sniping run from scrum-half Chris Wilkinson, gained Roberts a simple penalty but Strett immediately got one back for the home team. Sedgley had by now beefed up their pack with a couple of judicious substitutions and, with plentiful possession to play with, it was no surprise when Scales scored again.

Roberts conversion put his team ahead for the first time and it seemed certain that Sedgley would win. West Park had not read that particular script, however, and they raised their game impressively, turning up the pressure and scoring an excellent try across their backs, wing Andy Roberts in at the corner.

Stretts conversion was crucial and he landed it. Sedgley now had to take chances and a long pass was intercepted by centre Carl Bibby who scored the winning try from 40 metres.