Park fight goes to wire

Mar 12 2008 by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Daily Post

DESPITE salvaging a losing bonus point against local rivals Caldy at Red Rocks, West Park slipped nearer to the relegation zone and are now just one point above Morley.

They showed a second half improvement in atrocious weather conditions, but Park unfortunately let hopes of victory fade in the last quarter.

Former Liverpool University skipper Craig Smithson’s try had provided light at the end of the tunnel with Andy Soutar guaranteeing the lead with his conversion and a penalty.

However Caldy refused to be denied and three penalties from full back Gavin Roberts turned the tide once more.

New caretaker coach Chris Chudleigh must have been left with mixed feelings about the result, although he had earlier hinted that a bonus point would be welcome – not aware at the time that fellow strugglers Morley were closing in with an unexpected performance against promotion favourites Tynedale.

Though the West Park club has not been without its problems since the turn of the year – they've won only once since December 22 and have seen the departure of Head Coach Martin Jones as well – there is still a deep-seated determination amongst the players to get out of trouble. Everyone is aware that it will call for a huge effort, starting with a difficult trip to the North East on Saturday to face a sturdy Darlington Mowden Park side.