Winnington Park 20 Burnage 31
BRAVE Winnington gave unbeaten league leaders Burnage a real fright on Saturday but the search for their first win of the season goes on.
Captain Will Burgess led from the front and was backed up by Mark Patterson and Sam Barton but in the end it was Park’s discipline and unforced errors that cost them.
The visitors made the early running in a pulsating encounter and shot into a 11-0 lead. A try from number-eight Johnson was followed by two penalties.
Park fought back and landed a penalty of their own from the boot of Ben Elliot.
After the break, Park handed the visitors their second try on a plate following an error from Ian Lamb. But once again Park refused to roll over and crossed the whitewash themselves through Phil Parrot.
Burnage added three more tries, two of which were scored from deep highlighting Park’s need to stay focused when defending in the opposition’s half.
But Mark Warr’s men showed determination and tries from the outstanding Burgess and Sam Brookes showed Park can compete with the best in Cheshire and South Lancs One.
The future indeed looks bright as colts Tom Brennan, Harry Knowles and Lamb stepped up to senior level
With the top five sides already played, Park have a very important three-month period where points must be taken if they are to finally break away from the bottom of the league.
On Saturday they travel to the Wirral to take on Hoylake.
Other scores: Winnington 2nds 3 Burnage 2nds 58 (pen: Murdin). Winnington Park 3rds 36 Northwich 3rds 8 (tries: Hilton 2, Morrison 2, Perks, Williams; cons: Thurlwell 3).
