Liverpool Collegiate 30 Winnington Park 22

WINNINGTON Park were punished for an ill-disciplined performance by promoted opponents who were seeking a first win of the season.

Coach Roger Pickering said his players conceded too many penalties.

He added: “When we kept to our structure, they had no answer.

“Unfortunately it happened only in short spells.

“There is vast talent and potential in the group, but we didn’t show it often enough.”

They trailed 6-0 after the home team’s fly-half landed two three-pointers, but responded in style when wide man Tom Witter showed his class by evading several tackles to score.

Jack Williams added a conversion to edge his side in front.

However Park failed to capitalise, instead conceding another penalty.

When Liverpool followed that with a converted try before the break, the men from Burrows Hill were left to play catch-up.

They struggled to take the initiative in the second period, and Collegiate were next to score.

It jolted Winnington, who notched another impressive try when Danny Williams dived over in the corner at the end of a flowing move.

But sloppiness in defence cost them again as Liverpool added to their advantage.

Park at least had the final say, when a marauding Shaun Underdown crossed the line between the posts in the last minute.

Williams’ kick reduced the deficit to eight points at full time.

Promotion favourites Liverpool St Helens, victors in each of their three league matches to date, are due at Burrows Hill this weekend, kick off 3pm.

Park won the corresponding fixture 43-22 last term.