Stockport 21 West Park 14

AFTER a sequence of 24 consecutive league games without defeat West Park succumbed to a Stockport side who triumphed over the conditions just as much as their opponents.

Playing with the elements in their favour in the first half, Park should have led by more than 11-8 with a try by Chris Pennington and two Glen Fletcher penalties to a try and a penalty by the home side.

Park sorely missed the power of Steve Bibby, the big number eight failing a pre-match fitness test on his hamstring injury, and although also without the league's leading try scorer Steven Briers, his deputy Darren Wilson on his first full game and out of his normal scrum-half position could be well satisfied with his performance.

Turning round to face driving rain and wind in the second half, Park's habit of losing hard-earned possession cost them dear as a Glen Fletcher penalty was the only addition to their points total.

Park's line-out play, usually one of their strong points, was also below par and although their defence was almost heroic in the closing stages Stockport used the conditions better to register their best win of the season.

Park however still have a game in hand over their nearest rivals Vale of Lune and will meet Penrith at Red Rocks this Saturday in a re-arranged league game. The match has an earlier kick-off at 2.30pm with the match sponsor being the Wigan Beer Company and matchball sponsor Lufthansa Cargo.

Other results: West Park 2nd 20 Stockport 22, Stockport 3rd 7 West Park 12.

Sunday Junior scores: Under 13s at Tareleton lost 7-14, under 15s at Wirral lost 12-20.