Manchester 8 Winnington Park 5

SKIPPER Harry Stubbs said his teammates had been immature during a surprise defeat at Manchester.

The hosts, victors in only one of their previous seven league matches, protected a slender interval lead during a second period – playing in strong wind – that did not yield a single point for either side.

“They wanted to win more than we did,” said Stubbs.

“We were lacklustre after half time, and the most disappointing thing was to see a lack of desire.

“A few choice words were said in the changing room after the game, and I’m hoping to see an improvement this weekend.”

Park, despite the wind blowing in their faces, spent most of the opening period in the home team’s 22.

They established an early 5-0 lead, Stubbs himself breaking through a series of attempted tackles to touch down after Gary Dykes fed the ball to him following a lineout maul.

Sam Brookes could not convert though.

Manchester rallied, levelling the score shortly afterwards through Sam Davis after a catch and drive.

Winnington could not convert their territorial advantage into points, playing for a period a man down following Danny Williams’ yellow card for pulling down a maul.

A converted penalty for the home team made it 8-5 at the interval, an advantage they later defended successfully.

Park could not make the most of having the elements in their favour, instead finding frustration with Manchester’s stubborn defence.

They repeatedly snuffed out danger, either by keeping hold of the ball or chasing back to make sure kicks did not lead to danger.

Stubbs criticised his players for not doing more at the breakdown, too often allowing the action to be slowed instead of moving the ball quickly.

Two attempts from penalties, which if converted would have led to Park pinching the points, fell short in the swirling conditions.