WINNINGTON Park claimed a thrilling 24-18 victory over high-flying North Ribblesdale at Burrows Hill on Saturday, demonstrating impressive grit in a hard-fought contest.
Park immediately set the tone with solid defence, pinning North Ribblesdale deep in their own territory.
Early pressure paid off when captain Dan Williams expertly jackalled the ball inside the visitors’ 22, setting up a sweeping move that saw Teddie McCaffery race in for the opening try, converted by Cameron Flanagan.
Both sides exchanged blows in a cagey period that followed before North Ribblesdale responded with a quick wide attack for their first try.
They then seized the lead after a swiftly taken penalty led to their second try.
Just before the interval, Park’s forward power told as Eli Fakailoatonga crashed over to make it 12-12 at half time.
The second half brought renewed determination from Park, whose set piece proved crucial.
After a Ribblesdale penalty success, Conor Lapniewski drove over from a well-executed maul to restore the home side’s lead.
North Ribblesdale were never far behind, clawing back points through a penalty and regaining a slender 18-17 advantage with less than 10 minutes to play.
With time running out, Park’s patience and teamwork shone through.
After several phases of sustained pressure, Dan Williams and Cameron Flanagan combined to unleash Joe Rowland, who powered over for the decisive bonus-point try.
Flanagan’s conversion put the result beyond doubt, and Park managed the closing moments expertly to seal a memorable win.
The result was testament to Park’s resilience and unity, with every player contributing to a hard-earned victory.
Park: Will Du Randt, Alex De Keyzer, Riewoldt Teabuge, Joseph Rowlans, Teddie McCaffery, Cameron Flanagan, Jack Williams, Dan Williams, Matthew Treacy, Robin Lowndes, Phil Lynch, Johdell Akua, Conor Lapniewski, Eli Fakailoatonga, Joel Gaidan, Christian Avis, Lewis Pickering, Anthony Hopley
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