WINNINGTON Park were given a glimpse of what they can expect at a higher level next season during the Cheshire RFU Bowl final on Monday.

A 38-21 victory against New Brighton at Birkenhead Park is an early indication they can cope.

“It was an eye-opener,” said director of rugby Dave Allcock.

“And even on the bus ride home our lads were talking about what they’ll need to improve on.

“We didn’t have things our own way, and couldn’t impose ourselves on the game until later in the first-half.

"Our forwards helped us to do that; they held their own in the scrum, and our lineouts were good.

“Once we assumed control, I felt we didn’t let go.”

Park recovered from the blow of conceding an early try when they ran in four of their own – scored by Matt Treacy, Harry Stubbs, Lee Allmark and James Johnson – to blow away their opponents in a 20-minute spell.

Stubbs also dotted down in the second-half to leave New Brighton playing catch-up.

Allcock said: “Every time they threatened to come back we had a reply.

“It was good to see how the lads handled being put under pressure because they haven’t been at all in the past few weeks.

“The intensity was greater, as it will be in every game next year, and we’ve learned a lot.”

Park have also completed a league and cup double after securing top spot in South Lancs/Cheshire Division Two last week.

It was a fact not lost on a huge travelling support from Burrows Hill, who greeted each of their favourites' tries with a huge roar.

Allcock added: “We had more people there following us than they did, and they’re only based around the corner! The lads really appreciated it.

"Our followers have been really good all year, and they feel a connection to the team."

Winnington conclude a long campaign with a trip to Oswestry on Saturday week, May 19.