Andrew Lawson also crossed the whitewash and Jordan Carey added 14 points with the boot to give the JML-sponsored team a 29-24 victory over a resilient Huddersfield YMCA side.
Clark was delighted with the result as well as his own performance. He said: “We wanted to start the season with a win and we’ve done that so it’s a good start and a good base to build from. “A lot of new lads have come in, fresh faces, fresh start, but everyone had a good game today and it’s a good solid start. “I’m not one to shout and bawl at everyone. I like to lead by example to be honest and just hope that everyone else follows. That’s my leadership style so hopefully I did that today.”
It was a new look Westoe, who took to the field wearing brand-new playing kit. They handed debuts to three of the newcomers, Tim Pickersgill, Alex Clark and Gary Andrews, as well as handing last year’s second team player, Reggie Fassa, a start in the centres. However it seemed as if all the players needed to get used to each other in the opening 15 minutes as after Carey kicked the opening points of the game with a penalty, YMCA ran in two unconverted tries, both coming from chips out of defence.
Lawson responded with a breakaway try, which was duly converted by Carey but the visitors came straight back with another converted score. It seemed to be the wake-up call Westoe needed as they began to put the ball through the hands more and after Carey had added another three points, Clark opened his account, powering over after being setup by Lawson. A penalty by Carey brought a breathless first half to a close with the teams level at 21.
The second half saw a much grittier affair but Westoe still managed to score a wonderful flowing try. New boy Andrews was involved but it was Lawson and Clark who combined once again to send the skipper in for his second. That try followed yet another penalty from Carey and gave Westoe a lead they would not relinquish.
YMCA did try though and after a sensational catch and drive marched them fully 30 metres up the pitch, a series of scrummages on the Westoe five metre line seemed to indicate an upcoming try. However Westoe’s defence was inspired and Huddersfield had to settle for a penalty right on full time to salvage a losing bonus point.
Director of Rugby Andy Howells was pleased with the spirit and work-rate shown by his team, especially in the dogged defence at the scrums. He said: “There’s a good feeling in the team, they work hard for each other. “It was tough. We made it hard for ourselves at times I think. Those little chips cost us dearly at times and we’ve got to cut them out. But once we do cut them out I think we’ll be fine. “I thought there were some decent performances out there. Lawson caused them problems every time he got the ball. “It’s a win and you’ll always take a win at the start of the season.”