West Park Bramhope... 9 Beverley...6

WITH many past players present on their annual reunion, West Park showed the grit and determination that they have been noted for over the years to grind out their first victory of the season against their East Yorkshire visitors at a rain-soaked Sycamores.

With the wind at their backs Park dominated the first-half without being able to inflict the killer punch to kill the game.

Park's forwards took immediate control and Matt Stevens missed an early penalty attempt.

The next phase of possession allowed hooker come winger Richard Storey to make a charge but he was held up over the line and from the close in scrum the danger was averted.

Park, superbly led by the evergreen Tim Pearce and the forceful Ian Moule, set up the position from which Stevens kicked a penalty.

As two players were banished to the sin bin for a minor scuffle, Steven's huge up and under was fumbled by the Beverley full-back and as they strayed offside Stevens increased the lead with a penalty.

The next wave of pressure saw David Hayle, Moule and Pearce all agonisingly close to a try, but desperate defence kept them out until a further transgression allowed Stevens the chance to make it 9-0 at the break.

Now with the elements in their favour, it was Beverley's turn to respond as they camped in the Park half.

Full-back Killgannon popped over two penalties to reduce the deficit to three points and leave the large gathering on tenterhooks.

Craig Hardy made two clearing breaks for Park but superb defence and honest effort in the mud kept the home side ahead.

Killgannon missed two late kickable penalties for Beverley and with Rob Wilyman securing enough line-out ball Park clung on to lift the spirits of all at the club.

With injured players still due to come back the hope is that they can now climb the table, especially in two week's time when they visit bottom club York.

l This week the team plays a friendly at Keighley.