Winnington Park 15 West Park 17

WINNINGTON’S grip on fourth place was loosened significantly after Chris Fortune’s late try for West Park denied them a victory at Burrows Hill on Saturday.

The hosts had been frustrated by their guests’ resilience in defence for the most part, but had broken through enough times to establish a 15-12 lead with time running out.

But a counter from deep inside his own half by Danny Green, supported by full back Matt Savage, ended with Fortune touching down his second opportunist try of the contest.

It had seemed an unlikely outcome in a first half dominated by the home team.

Park edged in front following a scrum against the head, skipper Harry Stubbs picking up the ball before driving over.

West Park replied almost immediately, when Fortune intercepted a loose pass inside his own half before sprinting to the line.

Buoyed by scoring against the run of play, the visitors repeated the trick, this time when Dom Basley sent Green in between the sticks.

Warren Hunt’s extras made it 12-5.

It was Winnington’s turn to respond quickly, Lee Allmark racing clear to touch down after being fed by Jack Williams.

A period of pressure on the away team’s line yielded a third Park try after the interval, Stubbs again breaking through after taking possession from the back of a scrum.

Chances followed to move out of West Park’s reach, the clearest when Joe Robins’ progress to the line was halted by a try-saving tackle that forced him into touch.

The visitors landed a decisive blow on the break shortly afterwards, leaving Mark Warr’s men little time to react despite a late charge by Danny Williams.

Park Burgess (Skelley), Robins, Underdown, Alston, Ridgway, Dave Cross, Danny Williams, Stubbs, Heptinstall, Jack Williams, Lamb (Charlton), Allmark, Owen, Cannings (Witter), Moran Tries Stubbs (2), Allmark