Altrincham Kersal 32 Winnington Park 17

HARRY Stubbs, Winnington Park’s captain, praised his players’ performance in defeat at title favourites Altrincham Kersal on Saturday.

The visitors had established a 12-0 lead before their hosts responded with four unanswered tries in a devastating spell either side of the interval to assume control.

“It’s a shame we didn’t pick up some points because we deserved to,” said Stubbs.

“If we can play like that again in our next game, we can be confident of winning.”

That fixture is an important one, at home to West Park, who will take over fourth place from Winnington if they leave Burrows Hill as victors on Saturday.

Luke Cannings proved too quick for Altrincham’s defence in the early stages at the weekend, adding a final flourish to a move started by fine forwards play.

Park continued to apply pressure and, after missing two penalty attempts, added to their advantage when Cannings crossed for his second try after Shaun Underdown won back possession.

Fraser Lindsay kicked a conversion.

Altrincham then demonstrated the class that will likely earn them first place in South Lancs/Cheshire Division One, running in that quartet of tries to put the game out of their guests’ reach.

Park at least signed off with the contest’s final score when another team move ended with Lee Allmark touching down in the corner.

The head-to-head with West Park on Saturday is their final league encounter at Burrows Hill this season, kick off 3pm.

Park Burgess, Evans, Underdown, Dave Cross, Alston, Dykes, Williams, Stubbs, Matthew Cross, Lindsay, Lamb, Allmark, Owen, Cannings, Heptinstall Replacements used Ridgway, Skelley, Moran Tries Cannings (2), Allmark Con Lindsay