WINNINGTON Park edged a close encounter at Burrows Hill to start their season on a winning note.

And it was fitting that Phil Parrott, leading try scorer in blue and white last term, should be the first Park player to cross the whitewash this time around.

Ben Elliot, back after spending the bulk of last season in Australia, could not convert though.

A series of pick-ups and drives ended with Wayne Bullough forcing his way over from five metres to level for the visitors.

Andy Whittle converted.

Wigan repeated the trick soon afterwards to add to their advantage, this time prop Roy Caine trundling over following a quick tap penalty.

Chris Lowton was denied a third try on the whistle by robust Park defending.

The hosts improved after half time and almost reduced their arrears in the opening minute only for Alex Austin to make a double try-saving tackle close to the line.

But the respite was temporary.

Hooker Matt Dodd scored the first of three tries from driving mauls as Park rallied, Harry Stubbs opening his account for the campaign soon afterwards.

He added another in similar fashion, earning Winnington a bonus point under the new scoring system, and Elliot kicked a penalty to make it 23-12.

Wigan centre Danny Winrow raced on to Whittle’s clever grubber kick to complete the scoring, but Park hung on to claim victory.

“It would have been more comfortable had we converted any of our tries,” said captain Will Burgess, who came on as a second half replacement.

“Once the kicks start going over then the guys will have more of a cushion after going over the line.”

Park Sant (Burgess), Dodd, Richard Armstrong, Moriarty, Cross, Will Armstrong, Parrott, Stubbs, Heptinstall, Allmark, M Jones, Rob Burchall, Morten, David Burchall (Brennan), Elliot
Tries Stubbs (2), Parrott, Dodd
Pen Elliot