Away win eludes Fleet'

However, with regular scrum half Gornall unable to make it due to work commitments the back line was shuffled with new recruit Mecklenburgh taking the 9 shirt. The home side showed their attacking intentions from the whistle so Fleet had to defend for lengthy periods inside their own half. Both teams were showing their nerves as many knock on’s occurred. The pressure told as West Park broke the deadlock to go 5-0 up, despite this centre Brown and full back Jones were making yards with ball in hand albeit from deep. All too often the support play was absent and consequently the ball was being turned over at the breakdown which was leading to a frustrating half. Winger Parker was showing his teammates how to do the basics right, tackling and chasing the ball down with gusto not allowing anything down his channel. West Park were by now stretching Fleet as they looked the spin the ball through several pairs of hands running everything rugby league style- another try conceded, 12-0 down. Not to be outdone the impressive Jones gathered the ball in his own half and set off on a mazy run side-stepping would be tacklers before touching down, 12-5 to West Park. The lead was increased before half time as again the opponents ran the ball, the defence by now chasing shadows, 19-5 down. Half time came and during the interval manager Sommersby asked his troops for a response - ‘up the tempo’ was the cry.

Without hesitation Fleet opted to mirror their hosts and play a faster running game which paid dividends almost immediately with Jones again crashing over in the corner with Jackson adding the extras, 19-12 down. This appeared to stir West Park into a response which they duly did, quick hands and feet opened up an opportunity out wide, try scored, 24-12 down. Fleet would not lie down, so back they came with replacement young buck Brocklehurst picking up a loose ball 10 metres from the line brushing off defenders before squeezing in by the corner flag to score. What? No try? The delight of the travelling linesman Seymour saw him raise his flag in celebration which the referee interpreted as player in touch- oh dear no try! Then just to rub salt into the wounds for Fleet they conceded another try as the West Park midfield were displaying plenty of slick play, conversion taken 31-12 down. With the game drifting away like a stranded trawler Fleet threw the proverbial ‘kitchen sink’ at their hosts and came away with a try as hooker Perkin crossed the whitewash and Jackson converted, 31-19. No further scores as the referee blew his whistle for time.

Despite Jones scoring 2 tries it was Parker who was voted man of the match for his overall contribution to the game.

Again, next week Fleet travel away this time to top of the table Wigan hoping to brink the away day blues to an end.

Report by Dan Jefferson