Rugby Union: Defensive errors cost West Park at home

Oct 22 2007 Liverpool Daily Post

THIS was very much a game of two halves, with West Park unexpectedly dominating the first to lead 14-0 at the interval and visitors Tynedale replying with half as many again in the second.

It was largely due to three foolish defensive errors shortly after the resumption and the departure of West Park’s outstanding player, Rob Hitchmough, due to tendonitis hitting him at much the same time.

Andrew Soutar hit the mark with a straightforward penalty after only five minutes and that was followed by an excellent try from centre Dave Cunliffe three minutes later, largely due to the quick half break and excellent pass of fly-half Hitchmough.

Soutar did manage to add a penalty and that was followed by a fine drop goal from Hitchmough.

The early concession of three penalties immediately after the interval, all converted by teenage fly-half Bob Miller, knocked West Park right off balance.

Winger Alistair Grey dived over in the corner to bring the scores level in the 57th minute and Miller’s fine conversion put the visitors in front before a try by left winger Ben Duggan.