Ormskirk Ladies 15-19 Winnington Park Ladies

WINNINGTON Park demonstrated their versatility to complete a double over Ormskirk as they continued a strong finish to the season.

Depleted by absences and battling strong opponents in windy conditions, they scored twice inside the first 10 minutes when captain Thea Breau and Lindsey Williams both crashed over the whitewash.

Ormskirk steadied themselves after an early onslaught and a pattern of forwards dominating the encounter was established.

When Park tried to be expansive they were often thwarted by gusts, although there was on exception when Elle Richards dotted down between the posts shortly before half-time at the end of a flowing backs-led move.

Gemma Jackson was successful with two conversion attempts, establishing a 19-5 interval lead for the Northwich side.

The second-half was a different story and, with the wind against them, Winnington’s pack had to consistently work hard to gain territory.

However they lost possession often and to defend their own line for the majority of an attritional 40 minutes.

Park had chances to add to their advantage only to be frustrated by handling errors or last-ditch tackling by their hosts.

Ormskirk ran in two tries, neither of them converted, to close a gap on the scoreboard and set up a stirring finish.

The visitors repelled wave after wave of attacks though to celebrate a fifth win of the campaign in the RFU Women’s National Challenge North Two West.

They will conclude an encouraging campaign with a home date against promotion-hopefuls Workington on Sunday week, March 31, kick-off 2pm.