Broughton Park V West Park St Helens

Result Broughton Park 7 Pts West Park 24Pts.

It was good to see West Park, who are two leagues above 'Park, back at our new stadium after many years. It was clear to see, why they are where they are in their present league, they deserved their win and I am sure you will all join me in wishing them the very best of luck in there quest in trying to gain promotion to the National Leagues next season.

All of the Park players are to be congratulated on a magnificent effort from No 1 to 18 there was no Man of the Match, suffice to say that they all deserved the same recognition. Despite the absence of many first team players, the guys who took the field played out of their shirts for the Club, and we could not have asked for any more than that. At times the pack moved the West Park forwards around the field with ease, with driving mauls taking them up field some twenty meters, proof of the good work done over the past week, they were tight in the scrummage to a much heaver pack, which they will not come across in our present league. The line out play was much better organised. Had we scored in the first twenty minutes when 'Park completely out playing them, the final outcome might have been a little different.

Simon Verbickas gave a fine display at No10 taking us out of trouble with good tactical field kicking. He took a bad knock to the head in the last ten minutes but stayed on to see the game through to its conclusion, the defence and the tackling of our backs was excellent, with Tom Mapp and Ronan O'Brien putting in some great hits. Park's only try came from a very good break from Matt Sheen drafted in to play No8 at very short notice and he did not let anyone down. Losing 24-7 to a team like West Park is no insult. A very creditable performance by the entire team who wore the Broughton Park shirt. Congratulations must also go to the Second Team for a great result over at Preston Grasshoppers 34-30pts, Well done Alan Marsland and the 2nd team.

John O'Grady. Director of Rugby.