West Park 27 Winnington Park 17

WEST Park’s run without losing came under threat during a second-half revival by improving Winnington.

Roger Pickering’s men touched down twice to close to within a score of their hosts, only for full-back Matt Savage’s late penalty to settle the outcome the league leaders’ way.

“In spells, we produced some of our best rugby of the season in awful conditions,” said Park’s coach afterwards.

“Considering the quality of opposition, that shows what strides we’re making.”

The visitors edged ahead when captain Harry Stubbs demonstrated his strength to power over in the corner.

Fraser Lindsay’s conversion from the touchline added gloss.

West Park replied immediately, Savage crossing the line wide on the left after collecting a pass close to his toes.

Winnington were forced to reshuffle when scrum-half Chris Heptinstall and full-back James Moran were replaced after sustaining injuries.

Prop Shaun Underdown showed his versatility by standing in for the former.

The hosts took advantage of their guests’ disorientation, and second row Lewis Harris touched down near to the posts after Liam Hill had combined with Kal Warburton.

Savage converted to make it 12-7.

A third try followed before the break, this time when winger Sam Kerfoot added his name to the scoresheet after Harris burst into space on the right.

West Park banked a bonus point when Savage claimed, and converted, a fourth try shortly after the interval.
But Winnington rallied in deteriorating conditions.

After taking possession inside their own half, they earned a penalty following a series of controlled rucks that forced back their opponents.

Gareth Owen released Underdown, and he touched down.

Buoyed, the visitors reduced a gap on the scoreboard further when Danny Williams caught the ball from a lineout before smartly adjusting his feet to add a third try for Park.

A penalty in front of the posts, awarded after a West Park scrum, allowed Savage to halt their spirited recovery.

Pickering added: “We had a massive headache with unavailability, but the players who stepped in performed well.

“I think it backs up our philosophy of increasing the pool we pick from and rewarding those lads that train consistently.

“The result isn’t what we wanted – of course we want to win – but there can be no denying that we’re making progress.”

Park Ridgway, Evans, Underdown, Josh Brown, Gately, Robins, Danny Williams, Stubbs, Heptinstall, Lindsay, Lamb, Owen, Sheppard, Gibbons, Moran. Replacements Dave Cross, Nick Brown, Cannings. Tries Stubbs, Underdown, Danny Williams. Con Lindsay.