In a typical and feisty local derby, watched by a large crowd, West Park’s six tries were enough to earn maximum league points, whilst a credible response from the visitors with four tries earned them a consolation bonus point.

The home side had at least four regular players unavailable for this match, but all those who stood in proved more than adequate replacements.

The opening score within five minutes of the start fell to West Park as a loose ball was picked up by winger Chris Fortune whose smart pass to fellow winger Warren Hunt was finished off in style, although the conversion from wide out failed.

An early and unnecessary fracas after only 15 minutes saw a yellow card issued to a player on both sides, but pressure by the home side’s forwards resulted in a try for full back Matt Savage who swept through the defence to score between the posts, providing Hunt with an easy conversion. Ruskin Park finally got on the scoreboard after winning a five metre scrum, the ball neatly passed from fly half Foster to No 8 and captain Sam Hughes to score a try which Foster went on to convert.

Hunt added to the home side’s score with a penalty to provide an eight point lead, though this was short lived as the visitors second row Lyon forward picked up from a wheeled five metre scrum to score a try which Foster converted, to bring half time with only a point separating the teams. West Park’s domination continued in the second half, and with a good platform set by their forwards, the back line came into it’s own.

A break by full back Matt Savage was carried on by Chris Fortune who beat several defenders in a typical mazy run before feeding the supporting Savage who crossed wide out, making the conversion attempt too difficult to add.

Ruskin Park were never out of contention and briefly took the lead with a try under the posts which Foster converted to give them a slender one point lead.

A further yellow card for each side was issued for technical infringements, but the home side made light of their initial shortage as a kick was fielded by winger Hunt whose excellent break was carried on by Chris Fortune feeding stand off Dom Basley who scored a try which Hunt converted.

West Park continued to have much the better of the exchanges, and as pressure forced the visitors into a mistake on the half way line man of the match Savage swooped to cut through the defence to score an outstanding individual try which Hunt converted.

Soon afterwards Savage bagged his fourth try finishing off another mesmerising run by winger Fortune, which Hunt again converted. The visitors though outplayed continued to press whenever possible, and a quick tap penalty by scrum half Wilson resulted in a try which though unconverted, provided them with their bonus point.

West Park have no fixture next week, and visit Sefton the following weekend.

Fleetwood 2nd XV 56 pts V West Park 2nd XV 12 pts West Park 3rd XV 38 pts V Sefton 3rd XV 7 pts.

This was a notable victory which was enough to give then the league title with still six fixtures remaining .