ROSSLYN PARK 18: FYLDE 24

Rosslyn Park did not get the result they wanted on Saturday, but it was a heartening performance against a big Fylde side in National League Two, writes Bernard Wiggins.

Money has helped transform Fylde since they were thrashed by 60 points by Park at the end of last season and they started more brightly.

They were almost over in the second minute, but the pass was forward, and two minutes later Park saw a pass just kiss Crawford Henderson's fingertips when a try looked certain.

However, Fylde took the lead in the 14th minute, but Park scored within five minutes after Fylde killed the ball. James Hendy took Park into the visitors' 22 and the pack drove James Cure over the line for his first club try.

Then came a try that was worth anyone's admission money. Fylde possession was turned in Park's 22 and Hendy sent a looping pass wide to David Casado, who set off on a 60 metre run, danced through several tackles and passed to Henderson. Hendy then came through on the burst to go in under the posts and convert the try he had initiated.

But two penalties in five minutes gave Fylde back the advantage and a late try made the score 12-18.

In the second half, Park closed the gap to three points thanks to a Hendy penalty, but Fylde replied almost instantly and scored a drop goal two minutes from time. Hendy scored his second penalty in injury time.

December 19, 2001 13:00