Widnes 10 West Park 46

NOT surprisingly this match was played in somewhat of a relaxed atmosphere as it involved top against bottom in league North 2 with both positions already decided.

West Park adopted a no-kicking-at-all costs policy and threw the ball about in basketball fashion presenting Widnes with two gift tries, snapped up by Paul Newall and Gareth Riley. In between though Park crossed the home line five times, Gary Monaghan (2), Darren Wilson, Andy Roberts and Paul Hennessey getting on the scoresheet with Glen Fletcher adding the conversions to produce a 31-10 scoreline at half-time.

The second half was played on a more sensible basis, Widnes defending and attacking with commendable spirit and West Park's defence much tighter and their attack well organised.

Gary Monaghan completed his hat-trick, which put him at the top of the league try scorers in front of another West Park three-quarter Steven Briers, who has missed the final run-in due to injury.

Andy Roberts added his second and Phil Houlton completed the win with a final try.

A major contribution to an entertaining game played in perfect conditions was down to referee David Mathews, who allowed the game to flow, allowed unlimited advantage and awarded just one penalty in the whole match.

Park have no cup commitments outstanding and just one league game to be re-arranged before departing on an end-of-season mystery tour.

West Park u/19s Colts progressed to the final of the Lancashire League Cup with a 24-10 victory over Preston Grasshoppers, while Park u/18s Colts have reached the quarter-final stage in their cup competition.

Elsewhere, West Park under-13s were beaten 21-7 in the Lancashire Plate final at Ormskirk.

Park's under-16s have just returned from a highly successful tour to Holland in which they remained unbeaten, scoring 150 points without reply.

They complete their season in the Lancashire Cup Final at Sedgeley Park against Manchester next Sunday.

Park under 15s, who have had a difficult season, have obtained the services of first team forwards Ross Bell assisted by Chris Pennington as team coaches for next season.

Four West Park Juniors have represented their country recently. Andrew Kyriacon and Jason Critchley were in the England side beaten 20-13 by Wales. Chris Jones and Chris Briers have also featured in the England squads this season.

Park's presentation functions are as follows: Minis Sunday, May 20 at noon. Juniors Friday, May 18 at 7.30pm.