DON’T read too much into friendlies, so the saying goes.

But cup ties? Well, yes.

Winnington Park had put more than 100 points on the board in warm-up successes over the past fortnight, and showed further signs of progress by beating higher-ranked opponents in the Cheshire RFU Bowl on Saturday.

For new head coach Matt Farr, it’s a winning start.

His side fell behind after an error-strewn opening quarter, conceding a converted try.

They lacked cohesion – understandable for a side trying new combinations – but rallied to score a try of their own after Alex Glendinning had taken a penalty quickly before darting through the visitors’ defence.

Cameron Flanagan converted.

Anselms responded with a second score of their own, this time following a forwards-led move that ended in the corner.

But Park were resolute, and notched a try when Jack Williams side-stepped his way to the line.

Flanagan again added the extras, and they led 14-12 at the interval.

Nerves soothed, the hosts were more expansive in the second period.

Their speed proved too much for the away side, yielding three tries in before an hour had been played.

Shaun Underdown went over from close range at the end of a free-flowing move, then James Johnson touched down after more slick handling.

Glendinning then demonstrated power and pace to claim his second try.

A third conversion from Flanagan left put in control at 31-12.

They created chances to add to their total, only for a final pass or decision to be the wrong one.

Anselmians ensured the score-line was a more respectable one when they added a pair of converted tries in the closing stages.

Park progress to the semi-finals though, and head to Isle of Man for a league opener on Saturday – when they take on Vagabonds – in optimistic mood.

Park | Snasdell, Johnson, Underdown, Snowden, Treacy, Dykes, Glendinning, Danny Williams, Jack Williams, Flanagan, Pugh, Brookes, Ryan Williams, Critchley, Sheppard Replacements Millington, Robins, Hallworth, Allmark, Moran Tries Glendinning (2), Jack Williams, Underdown, Johnson Cons Flanagan (3)