Winnington Park 21 Stockport 8

WINNINGTON Park produced both their best rugby and best league result on a bright day at Burrows Hill on Saturday.

It moved them above their opponents into seventh in North Two West and was achieved by a determined and skilful display.

In particular, the home side's three-quarter line performed well under the organisation of young stand off Paul McCafferty and scrum half coach Mark Warr.

Park made a confident start and were unlucky to fall behind to a penalty from Cheshire stand off Marks, but they did show signs they would strike back.

This happened in the 20th minute when, breaking from their own 22, a loose ball was kicked forward by McCafferty deep into the opposing half.

Two Stockport players were favourite to collect the ball but they somehow managed to impede each other, and when McCafferty kicked through again Phil Beswick pounced to dive in over the line. Gary Bell's kick gave Park a 7-3 lead.

Going in front gave the home side even more confidence and self belief and they produced their best try of the season so far.

Winnington collected an excellent line-out throw and the forwards produced a powerful driving maul which took possession directly into Stockport territory.

This advantage was quickly realised by the backs who moved the ball swiftly to the left then switched it inside for McCafferty to run unopposed between the posts. Simple rugby but highly effective.

Stockport had chances to reduce the deficit, but only from penalty kicks which proved unsuccessful, and they seemed to lose heart.

Ben Barton capitalised on their sloppy play when he kicked forward a loose ball before it popped up into his hands, giving him a clear sprint to the line. Once again, Bell was left with a conversion under the posts to make it 21-3.

With tension running high, a skirmish amongst the forwards led to Park being penalised although both parties were guilty. From the set piece, Marks ran in on the blind side for a consolation try

Bell missed a penalty which would have put the result well beyond doubt, but Stockport still had to get two converted tries in the last 10 minutes, a task well beyond them as Park held on for a well deserved win.

This Saturday Lymm, second from bottom in the league, are Park's hosts.