WINNINGTON Park expected a challenging day at home to a Manchester side second in the league and who have lost only one game on this year’s campaign.

And so it was with the visitors inflicting Park’s worst defeat for many years - a 61-17 reverse.

Within three minutes Park were behind with some good ball handling by Manchester to score the first try of nine.

Park composed themselves and kept Manchester out for ten minutes but the pack pressure was to much and they drove over for the second try.

Within minutes Manchester were on try number three with some sloppy tackling by Park.

Gary Dykes came on for Ben Cann after injury to his ankle and Ryan Williams was replaced with Matt Cross returning after a eight week absence through injury.

The fourth try came with the Manchester fullback scored a impressive try with his pace side stepping three Park players to score.

Coach Farr made further changes, taking off 18-year-old Jake Cornwell for Andrew Evans and Ryan Williams came back on after receiving treatment.

The pain continued with try five after Park lost the ball in a tackle and scored.

Shortly after Ryan Williams was helped off after suffering damaged ankle ligaments.

Park had a last 10 minute spell of raising there game and scored after a line out passed the ball out for Ben Critchley to score.

The half time score was 5 to 33 and the crowd was hoping for a better display from the home side.

Park conceded a penalty try after the referee judged Dan Berg had deliberately knocked on whilst intercepting a pass. He was given a yellow card. Captain Dave Cross was also given yellow card for foul play.

Park rallied and scored a second try with Matt Treacy driving over the line after some good pack play in the Manchester half.The comeback was short lived with Manchester scoring further tries and Park scoring their third try by a nice piece of individual running from hooker Andrew Evans.

Park travel to Aspatria in Cumbria on Saturday.

Park played well in parts but could not match the Manchester side both in the forwards and backs and need to focus on the rest of the season if they are to stay in this league and finish in the top half of the league.

Some positive play and news of having Matt Cross fit and looked sharp after his two month absence with injury.

Park travel next week to Aspatria near Barrow in Cumbria.

Team:

Mike Eaves, Jake Cornwell, Dan Snowden, Matt Treacy, Ben Cann, Alex Glendinning, Dan Williams ,Dave Cross (Captain), Sam Brookes, Cameron Flanagan,Chris Twigg , Dan Berg ,Ryan Williams, Alex Burrage and Ben Critchley.

Replacements: Andrew Evans, Gary Dykes and Matt Cross.