Winnington Park 18 Glossop 6

CAPTAIN Harry Stubbs praised his players’ passion after Winnington Park dented the promotion hopes of guests Glossop at the weekend.

His side has won three successive matches at Burrows Hill, though the manner of their latest one – against opponents third in the table at kick off – makes it by far the best.

They adapted better to the sodden conditions to give chairman Richard Elliot the perfect send-off before he starts a new job in Saudi Arabia later this month.

“When the weather is so bad it’s about who wants to win more,” said Stubbs.”

“I was really happy with the desire the guys showed; they stepped up, showing the grit and resolve that’s needed to win games like that.”

Glossop, with a strong wind behind them, spent more time in Park territory during the opening exchanges.

However, their possession produced only a single penalty before Winnington scrum half Mike Jones burst through a gap at the other end before winning a foot race to the line to touch down the game’s first try.

From an acute angle on the right, Sam Brookes’ conversion attempt drifted wide.

He was more successful before half time, kicking a three-pointer from close range to make it 8-3 only for the visitors to reply in kind on the whistle.

Winnington added a decisive score in their first attack of the second period, a sweeping move ending with Gareth Owen crossing the line in the corner.

This time Brookes converted coolly to make it 15-6.

Glossop were reduced to 14 men when the referee showed a red card to one of their number for challenging with a closed fist, ceding the initiative to their hosts.

It took until the last minute for a further score, again from Brookes’ right boot, but by then the outcome had long since been settled.

Stubbs said: “We played some good rugby considering how slippery it was, and again our defence was solid.

“I just hope we can go on and finish the season strongly.”

Park Underdown, Wharton (Robbins), Taylor, Gately (Billington), Heale, Dykes, Danny Williams (Roper), Stubbs, Jones, Jack Williams, Bannister, Brookes, Allmark, Lamb, Owen. Tries Jones, Owen. Con Brookes. Pens Brookes (2).