BIRKENHEAD were made to fight hard for this National Three North League victory against their cross river rivals.
After a bright opening in turned into a dour contest. The visitors were not without their chances but found the home defence giving little away.
Dave Hall landed an early penalty for Park and they then produced what could well be the try of the season on 13 minutes with some fine link-up play culminating in Andy Trotter joining the line and sending Hall away for the touch down. The latter converted.
Hall and Craig Orrick exchanged penalties ahead of the break.
West began the second period well but could not break through and found themselves further in arrears in the 52 minute. Prop Matt Ibbotson who had a storming game for the winners intercepted and raced 30 yards for a popular try goaled by Hall.
Orrick hit a second penalty just ahead of the hour mark before Hall added to the home tally in the final quarter.
It was far from a classic but there was a lot of honest endeavour and West Park, after a difficult start to the campaign, could soon be in for better fortunes.
Their pack battled bravely with Mike Millward to the fore but the backs were given little freedom by a hard tackling home outfit.
David Blythe was excellent in the back-row for the winners, who would have been top but for a late hiccup at Beverley last week.
