Ruskin Park 17 Winnington Park 21

WINNINGTON Park overturned a two-try deficit on Saturday to secure a victory that keeps them in touch with the leaders.

They trailed 12-0 inside 10 minutes, failing to put any points on the board until after the interval.

But this side is made of stern stuff, recovering to win a seventh league match of the season thanks to a stirring second-half performance.

“The boys showed great character,” said injured skipper Harry Stubbs.

“In the same position a couple of seasons ago we’d have probably surrendered, but this group has the belief to keep going.”

A mix-up in the visitors’ reshuffled backline was punished by Ruskin Park during the early exchanges, the hosts’ winger breaking away to score.

A second try followed another mistake, though Winnington’s defence was breached too easily for coach Mark Warr’s liking.

His side was resembled more the one that has demonstrated so much attacking potential this term after the break.

They almost scored when fit-again David Cross sneaked down the blind side before he was put into touch short of the try-line.

Park broke through with Ruskin a man down following an off-the-ball incident, prop Will Burgess moving smartly to receive a pass before touching down close to the sticks.

Jack Williams added the extras.

They scored again following a flowing team move started when Gary Dykes and Danny Williams turned over.

Instead of kicking, the visitors moved the ball through four pairs of hands before Fraser Lindsay scorched past three covering defenders and over the whitewash.

Williams’ kick put them in front for the first time at 14-12.

Ruskin were reduced to 14 men again following a high tackle on scrum half James Johnson, and Winnington again made the most of their advantage.

Lindsay and Craig Lamb combined before the latter fed Danny Williams. His progress to the line was halted by a challenge the referee judged to be illegal, awarding a penalty try.

Ruskin rallied to claim their third try of the game before almost pinching the points after choosing to run a penalty for the game’s final play.

But Winnington’s defence held firm five metres from their line.

Park Burgess, Robins, Underdown, Roper, David Cross, Dykes, Danny Williams, Lapniewski, Johnson, Jack Williams, Lamb, Allmark, Lindsay, Bannister, Matthew Cross Replacements used Evans, Skelley, Jones Tries Burgess, Lindsay, Danny Williams Cons Jack Williams (3)