WINNINGTON Park delivered some impressive attacking rugby to secure a 44-24 victory over newly promoted West Park at Burrows Hill.
They did have to navigate a fightback from the St Helens side though in the Regional 2 North West clash.
From the opening whistle, Park showed real intent.
A break by Riewoldt Teabuge set the tone, and although a knock-on briefly let West Park off the hook, the hosts maintained relentless pressure.
The breakthrough arrived in the seventh minute when Teabuge, running a clever line against the grain, sliced through the West Park defence to score the game’s opening try. Cameron Flanagan coolly slotted the conversion.
Winnington’s defensive commitment was equally notable, as they absorbed pressure before Teabuge intercepted a wayward pass and raced 40 metres to dive over for his second try, extending the lead to 12-0.
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Undeterred by an injury-enforced change, with Gary Dykes replacing Johdell Akua, Park’s forwards continued to assert themselves.
Dykes marked his introduction with a powerful pick-and-go finish from close range, and Flanagan’s conversion put Winnington in a commanding position at 19-0.
Although West Park responded with a try of their own, Park’s composure remained intact and both sides traded penalties to complete the scoring in a much-improved first-half display by the hosts.
The second half saw a spirited resurgence from West Park, who managed to edge ahead 24-22 after two swift tries.
However, Winnington refused to panic. Flanagan’s penalty nudged the hosts back in front, and from there they regained control.
The forwards led the charge, setting the platform for Raphael Van Osselaer to pounce on a kick from Flanagan for their bonus-point try.
Phil Lynch then darted over from a ruck to further stretch the advantage, with Flanagan adding the extras.
The highlight of the closing stages was a scintillating Winnington try.
Will Du Randt broke from deep, evaded three defenders and fed Joel Gaidan, whose classy offload in the tackle sent Jack Williams over in the corner.
Flanagan’s touchline conversion capped a great performance, with Park defending resolutely in the final minutes to seal the win.
Winnington Park: Will Du Randt, Alex De Keyzer, Riewoldt Teabuge, Christian Avis, Raphael Van Osselaer, Cameron Flanagan, Jack Williams, Dan Williams (captain), Matthew Treacy, Anthony Hopley, Phil Lynch, Johdell Akua, Conor Lapniewski, Eli Fakailoatonga, Joel Gaidan. Replacements: Josh Gibbins, Gary Dykes, Jack Fenner.
Eighth-placed Park are away to ‘derby’ rivals Northwich on Saturday, kick-off 3pm.
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