The first half saw Manchester enjoy almost total domination of both possession and territory, and although West Park’s defence was admirable, remarkably the visitors turned round at half time 14 points in front. This was as a result of two long range tries from winger Chris Fortune, whose interception and length of the field dash to the opponents line brought him his first try, followed later by another long distance effort from a mere 60 yards, as he picked up a loose ball from a tackle to outstrip the cover to score another remarkable try, both of which were converted by fellow winger Warren Hunt.

The second half produced more even possession, and although West Park‘s defence continued to keep the home side at bay, the continuing pressure eventually told as a strong run from Manchester’s No8 Luke Tyrrell brought a try from close range which stand off Ian Jinks converted. A silly penalty for straying offside gave Jinks an easy kick to then take the home side within 4 points of the lead. Later a similar opportunity for a penalty kick awarded to the visitors was spurned in favour of a quick tap, which came to naught, the importance of that poor decision being eventually underlined as Manchester created a further try which was converted to then give them a 3 point lead.

West Park were now enjoying more possession than at any time in the match, and at last fashioned a fine try via their three-quarters, as an excellent break by centre Danny Green gave space for man of the match Warren Hunt to outstrip the defence to score a good try which he then converted to give the visitors a 4pt lead.

The game continued to be strewn with errors from both sides, and a hurried kick by Park from a position close to their line was charged down and a try awarded to Manchester, which when converted gave them back the lead .

The visitors continued to press, and as the match drew to a close they were eventually awarded a penalty which Hunt converted to give them a hardly satisfying draw and at least a share of the points.