WEST PARK 8

BLACKBURN 21

AFTER six consecutive victories West Park Bramhope were brought crashing back down to earth as visitors Blackburn ground out victory in a scrappy game.

With Park having the best defensive record in the division and Blackburn the best attacking then it should have been an enthralling contest.

Park opened up at pace and John Hall missed a penalty inside the first 30 seconds. He had a second shot two minutes later and was succesfsul this time.

However, from the visitors first foray into the home half they took the lead when a charged down clearance kick was dived on by former Salford RL platyer Steve Kerry, who despite missing the conversion then kicked a penalty.,

Park hit back with another error ridden try. Poor passing by the visitors led to the ball being fly hacked on for centre Ralph Bennett to score in the corner.

The turning point came when second row Eugene Grimes was floored by a punch and had to leave the field while the Blackburn second row was only shown the yellow card.

Half-time came with the score at 8-8.

Two more penalties by Kerry nudged the visitors in front and for once the Park pack could make no impression on a magnificent defence. They were held up over the line twice and in the final minute desperate rugby in their own 22 led to possession being lost and the ball was swung out for centre Payne to clinch victory. Kerry capped a fine day with a touchline conversion.

l On Saturday West Park entertain unbeaten North One leaders Northern in the fourth round of the NPI Cup (2 pm). Northern contain many former Newcastle players but despite being heavily the underdogs Park will be looking for some of the form which took them to the semi-finals last season.

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