Winnington Park 22 Manchester 15

WINNINGTON Park could not produce again a scintillating performance that had sunk Liverpool St Helens, but they still extended a winning sequence to three matches.

They closed to within five points of second spot in South Lancs/Cheshire Division One as a reward.

Manchester took the lead when they converted a penalty, but the hosts replied with a try from Ben Ridgway after scrum half Matt Cross had darted through a gap.

A scrappy spell followed until the interval, with Park unable to assume control at the lineout or in the scrum.

Jack Williams’ penalty made it 8-3 by the break.

The second period saw Winnington spring to life sporadically, though they extended their lead when their forwards fed Danny Williams.

He cut inside before releasing Luke Cannings for a second try, converted by Jack Williams.

Manchester responded from the restart though, their centre going between the posts to touch down after the visitors had recycled the ball from a scrum.

Winnington, inspired by replacement Lewis Pickering’s thunderous tackle in the middle of the pitch, put the game beyond their guests’ reach when vice-captain Fraser Lindsay picked up the loose ball and sprinted to the line.

Williams added the extras.

The hosts were then reduced to 14 men, their opponents kicking to the corner.

When the resulting drive was stopped, then held up at the reset, they were awarded a penalty try due to having an extra man at the scrum.

Park resisted the pressure put on them after that, moving six points clear of neighbours Northwich, beaten at home by pacesetters Altrincham, in the table.

Park Burgess, Ridgway, Underdown, David Cross, Alston, Lepniewski, Danny Williams, Stubbs, Matt Cross, Jack Williams, Lamb, Lindsay, Allmark, Cannings, Heptinstall Replacements Robins, Skelley, Pickering Tries Ridgway, Cannings, Lindsay Cons Jack Williams (2) Pen Jack Williams