Warrington win top of the table clash at Winnington Park.

Warrington completed the double over Winnington Park, with a hard fought victory away from home.

In near perfect conditions, both teams started the game knowing that a win would put them in a strong position as we move towards the business end of the league season.

Bot teams started brightly with the home side dominating possession but unable to break a stubborn and well organised Warrington defence. Warrington were able to launch a number of counter attacks but the Park defence were up to the task and kept them at bay.

With such equally balanced teams it was clear that individual errors or a moment of brilliance was going to take the day.

It was Warrington who managed to get their noses in front when a penalty for an infringement at a breakdown was punished by Thompson. His kick from fully 35 meters sailed through the uprights and gave Warrington a real lift and three vital points.

As the first half drew to a close Winnington continued to test the away teams defence. Park’s ability to control the ball in contact is superb and they recycled possession time after time. The Warrington defensive line held firm however and the first period finished at 0 3.

The second half started as the first had finished with Warrington having to dig deep and display true courage and commitment to keep Park from scoring. The home team kept probing the short side and fringes only to be met by a wall of green. Warrington tried to move the ball wide and only good cover defence stopped them from creating scoring opportunities.

Eventually it was an error from the Park back division which allowed Warrington to score. A loose ball was pounced upon by right wing Harry Herbert, he rounded his opposite number and then set off on a 40 metre sprint to the line.
With half the Winnington team in pursuit, Herbert managed to make it to the corner and score a fine solo effort. The conversion was missed 8 – 0 to Warrington.

Belief that this was their day surged through the Warrington team and again they repelled wave after wave of Park attacks. As time began to run out the home team became ever more anxious and they elected to run a number of penalties when kicking for goal seemed to be the better option.

Warrington were able to hold out and celebrate an extremely hard fought victory. The defensive performance, attitude, commitment and bravery of the whole squad shone through.

Winnington are an excellent rugby team and will live to fight another day, both teams and the referee should be congratulated in serving up such an exciting and intense game of rugby.