TRAFFIC hold-ups disrupted Park's pre-match preparations and resulted in a slow start to their second league game in Powergen North 1.

The Teessiders scored an early try and conversion, but Park quickly replied with a Mark Turner try converted by Andy Soutar. Middlesborough were using wind advantage to the full to gain footholds in the Park '22' only to find Park's pace enabling them to gain 70 metres by handling and running from deep.

Centre Adam Glover was next to score, his first try for Park, Soutar again converting into the breeze.

The result looked already beyond doubt as New Zealand packman Matt Henwood added Park's third try, also his first since donning the Green and Gold. Soutar's kicking form continuing with a well judged conversion.

A second 'Boro' try before half time giving a 12-24 score for West Park.

Neil Ryan's excellent kicking had been the feature of the first half but a recurrence of his groin injury resulted in his precautionary withdrawal with next week's cup tie in mind, Park being fortunate in being able to call on Ian Callaghan to move in from centre.

Phil Webster coming on off the bench and being in early action to register Park's fourth try.

Ian Callaghan deceiving the Middlesborough defence to score Park's final try.

Soutar missed both conversion from wide out but added a penalty before the home pack at last used their weight advantage for a close range try.

Once again Park's back three Henwood, Lockwood and Newman were influential but owed much to Park's props Liam McLoughlin and Ian Critchley who stood up well to the home side's heavyweights.

Next Saturday Park's season reaches an early peak with the visit of National 2 side, Moseley in a Powergen second round cup-tie.

The prospect if they win of meeting one of the top sides as the competition goes countrywide in the third round.

Other results: West Park 2nd 24 Fylde 13, Rossendale 2nd 27 West Park 3rd 0.

West Park Warriors 22

Holmes Chapel 11

The Warriors deservedly registered their first league win of the season and in fact their first league success since April 2003. Warriors tries came from Kalan Warburton, Barry Ford, Mike Marsden and Jed Dowling who also converted one try. Next Saturday the Warriors travel to Linley and Kidsgrove for another league encounter.

West Park U14s 26 Waterloo 20

At the end of a fiercely contested first half West Park led 7 - 5, thanks to a brilliant try from Jonathon Baines, which was converted by Adam Traverse, and an all-round superb defensive effort.

Tries from Tom Roach, Martin Wakefield and Daniel Frodsham gave Park a comfortable lead, and although Waterloo rallied in the later stages the result was never in doubt.