WINNINGTON Park were convincing victors on a trip to Isle of Man to play Vagabonds on the opening day of last season.

It proved not to be a catalyst for a promotion challenge, so new head coach Matt Farr is unlikely to get carried away.

However his side delivered more than twice the number of tries, and points, than in a previous meeting between the teams on the same pitch 12 months earlier.

They also prevented their hosts from troubling the scorers, and have started the campaign with two impressive wins in league and cup.

“It was a strong performance all round,” reflected Farr.

“Our back-row forwards – Danny Williams, Gary Dykes and Alex Glendinning – in particular were outstanding.

“Although it’s a great win, and an ideal start, there is still work that we need to do on the practice field in order to continue developing the way we want to play fast-flowing rugby this season.”

Park were in command from the start, and the first of their 16 tries arrived inside the first five minutes when Sam Brookes touched down.

Further scores followed regularly against opponents that lost all but two of their matches in South Lancs/Cheshire Division Two last term.

Congleton, on the receiving end of a 54-15 reverse against fellow promoted side Aspull in their opening game, are due at Burrows Hill on Saturday.

They visited earlier this summer, losing a high-scoring friendly last month.

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