Fighting back to 31 v 29, then 38 v 34, the introduction of uncontested scrums midway through the second half took away the visitors' most potent weapon.

Controversially, the injured player was allowed to be replaced, tilting the balance in favour of the home men who hung on for an unexpected win.

West Park tries came from lively prop Adam Hewitt (pictured on right) with two, pacy winger Ali Booth, tricky centre James Kear and hard working flanker Chris Lee.

The visitors' opening score was a penalty try, the referee intervening swiftly when a driving maul was pulled down but showing remarkable tolerance thereafter as the hosts continued to infringe in a variety of inventive ways.

Home fly half Ed Farmer landed 4 conversions and a penalty, as well as scoring his side's crucial second half try, while opposite number Jake Duxbury hit the target only twice, several other efforts drifting narrowly past the uprights.

West Park Warriors were given a right chasing by a super quick Harrogate 2nd team, going down 12 v 71 in their final Merit match.

Home tries came from young fullback Mason Knowles, who later suffered a nasty looking ankle injury and big lock Nick Hartley, Phil Davies adding the conversion.

The Warriors will be looking to bounce back when they entertain Skipton on Thursday evening in Round 2 of the Aire Wharfe Cup.