West Park 24 Penrith 18

AFTER two hard games last season Park knew what to expect from a typically tough Cumbrian pack.

The homesters conceded territorial advantage to Penrith in the game's early minutes and found themselves three points down when they were penalised for not releasing the ball after the tackle.

Park quickly hit back with Steve Bibby, Chris Pennington and Dominic McCormack making deep inroads into the visitors' half where slick handling put left wing Glen Fletcher over in the cornerfor an unconverted try.

Stuart Wilson's second penalty for Penrith triggered off a series of Park attacks in which Glen Fletcher and Martin Strett were tackled just short, the only reward being a penalty by Fletcher which produced an 8-6 half time lead.

The Cumbrians surprised Park soon after the resumption when their excellent number eight, Tim Shepherd scored from a clever back-row move, Wilson converted and the signs of a surprise result looked ominous as Penrith led 13-8.

Park dominated the majority of the second half territorially but found points hard to get until a superb break by Paul Bailey saw the centre just make the touchdown in a welter of bodies and level the scores at 13-13.

Sean Fletcher and Chris Stabler were held just short as Park went all out for the league points, Glen Fletcher kicking two penalties as Penrith infringed to prevent the ball reaching the dangerous Park backline who, however, were guilty of over-elaboration.

Replacements Carl Wales and Danny McCormack, the latter with his first touch of the ball, enabled Chris Stabler to score the decisive try in the corner.

Park were caught napping in injury time as Penrith switched a drop out to the open side and centre Steve Kimbley scored wide out, the missed conversion signalling the final whistle.

Now holding second spot to unbeaten Caldy, Park travel to Ashton-on-Mersey next Saturday no doubt with the following week's NPI cup tie with holders Aldwinians in mind.

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