West Park 15 Blackburn 12 STRUGGLERS Blackburn presented a below-par West Park with far more problems than expected in this North Two West league game at Red Rocks on Saturday.

A tremendous defensive effort in the closing stages just about kept Park in the league leaders spot after they had led 15-6 early in the second half. The respective goalkickers Blackburn's Steve Kerry and Park's Glen Fletcher exchanged penalties in the first 10 minutes.

And after going close on the left,r a strong forward drive down the right and quick passing saw Martin Strett cut through superbly from 30 metres to score a try which Glen Fletcher converted.

A second Steve Kerry penalty kept the visitors in the hunt at the interval as Park struggled in the set scrums missing the strength and stability of the absent Carl Wales.

The difficult conditions brought about by continuous rain prevented Park half-backs from dominating as usual.

A rare foray up field in the second half saw the forwards set up the ball perfectly for the back to handle and left wing Steven Briers score wide out and give Park what looked like a decisive 15-6 advantage.

They reckoned without the trusty right boot of Steve Kerry who banged over two more penalties to set up a tight finish. Park's defensive effort was however outstanding with scrum-half Chris O'Toole and the back row tackling everything above grass.

This Saturday Park are again at home entertaining Winnington Park in another league game sponsored by Cameo Curtains with the Bridge Hotel, Rainford, sponsoring the match ball.

Other scores: Blackburn 2nd 29 Park 2nd 12, West Park under 13s nil Aspull 32, West Park under 16s 50 Manchester 5.