The story of Winnington Park's winning return to Burrows Hill as they beat St Benedicts 36-5...

THIS was Winnington Park's first league home game since lockdown and the crowd were hoping to be entertained, particularly after last week’s disappointing start of the league season with a thrashing at Alselmians.

Park started well and with a lovely interception by new player Will Nelson as Benedicts' backs tried to run the ball down the line to score. Conversion kicked.

Park continued the pressure and with some great work by the forwards saw Ben Cann drive over the line with support from the pack. Conversion missed.

Benedicts came back and pushed forward and Jack Starr was given a yellow card for not retreating from a ruck. The visitors took advantage, won a scrum and passed the ball down the line to score in the corner. Conversion missed.

Twenty-five minutes into the game, Park continue to put pressure on the opposition with some great forward play, pushing forward in pods.

Park were awarded a penalty 10 metres from the try line, James Johnson took a quick tap and passed the ball out for Gary Dykes to score in the corner. Conversion missed.

The hosts continued to take control and the forwards again camped 15 metres from the opposition line allowed stand off Cameron Flanagan to grubber kick the ball through a gap in the defence to run through and score Park's fourth try. Conversion kicked.

The second half started equal but after 13 minutes, Benedicts were penalised after a high tackle on Starr, resulting in him going off with an injury to his ankle sustained in the tackle to the ground.

A further yellow came after continued pressure by Park's forwards, with another high tackle 10 metres out. Park took the advantage and another powerful run by Nelson saw him dive over the line for his second try of the day. The conversion was kicked.

This knocked the confidence of the visiting side, who looked tired. Park continued the pressure and 20 metres out, scrum half James Johnson dazzled the crowd with running through several tackles to score Park’s final try of the day with Flanagan kicking the conversion.

A positive performance that the coaching team under the directorship of Matt Farr can only build on with some new and young talent coming through the club.

An all-round team effort and an entertaining first home fixture after no regular rugby since lockdown in March 2020.

Team: Shaun Underdown, Ross Morrin, Mike Eaves, Dave Cross, Ben Cann, Gary Dykes, Matt Treacy, Alex Glendinning, James Johnson, Cameron Flanagan, Will Morrillo, Lee Allmark, Jack Starr, Sam Brookes, Will Nelson, Kieran Taylor, Tom Hemming, Tom Wager

Action from Winnington Parks 36-5 win over St Benedicts at Burrows Hill on Saturday. Pictures by John Pickering

Action from Winnington Park's 36-5 win over St Benedicts at Burrows Hill on Saturday. Pictures by John Pickering

Action from Winnington Parks 36-5 win over St Benedicts at Burrows Hill on Saturday. Pictures by John Pickering

Action from Winnington Park's 36-5 win over St Benedicts at Burrows Hill on Saturday. Pictures by John Pickering

Action from Winnington Parks 36-5 win over St Benedicts at Burrows Hill on Saturday. Pictures by John Pickering

Action from Winnington Park's 36-5 win over St Benedicts at Burrows Hill on Saturday. Pictures by John Pickering