Rosslyn Park tasted defeat in National League One for the first time this season, going down 22-17 at old adversaries Fylde.

Park had a few changes from the win over Blackheath, including fly half Scott Sneddon having to withdraw because of injury, but they welcomed back number eight and skipper Hugo Ellis for the first time this season.

Despite their long journey from London, Park dominated open field exchanges in the first quarter but unusually creaked a little in the set scrummages.

They put together several fluent movements and their ultra quick defensive line speed snuffed out any danger from the renowned Fylde back division.

After several close calls Park finally opened their account in 14th minute. Winger Ajuwa started things with a fierce bullocking run and then the ball went through several pairs of hands before flanker Sam Shires went over in the corner, and fly half Tom Whelan nailed the conversion.

Wandsworth Times:

Defence: Park snuff out a Fylde attack

Park enjoyed a large degree of territorial advantage for the rest of the half and although they exerted pressure that extra spark seemed to be missing and they could only add to their score with a penalty.

Despite the away side’s advantage there were ominous signs that the Fylde attacking machine was starting to get into gear.

In 29th minute, one such attack was only stopped by Park at the cost of a penalty but shortly after another brilliant, flowing move ended with scrum half Ryan de la Harpe scoring under the posts and Johnson converted.

All level at 10-10 at half time then with everything to play for in this stern encounter.

In the tense opening stages of the second half a kickable penalty was missed by Park and then Fylde struck with another good passing movement resulting in a converted try.

Wandsworth Times:

Moving forward: Park’s Charlie Gower on the attack

Thereafter Park exerted tremendous sustained pressure on the Fylde line, but the hosts defended magnificently and always looked sharp and dangerous in their break outs.

The main disappointing feature for the Park travelling band of fans was the number of times their side allowed turn overs at vital moments.

As often happens in these circumstances the side under the cosh for a sustained period then suddenly score and so it happened with Fylde scoring an unconverted try very near the 40th minute of the half.

It looked as though Park would even be deprived of a bonus point with this blow but almost immediately Neville Edwards showed elusive pace by scoring a good try, which was converted by Whelan but then immediately the referee blew for the end of a thrilling encounter.

Park: Kilmartin; Broughton, Ireland, Gower, Ajuwu; Whelan, Carter; Brown, Bellamy, MacKenzie; Boyle, Treadwell; Macfarlane, Shires, Ellis. Replacements: Wright, Staff, Harries, Gash, Edwards.

Wandsworth Times:

Move out the way: Park’s Joe Ajuwu on the attack