Macclesfield 25

Winnington Park 3

Thwaites North 1

Saturday, October 23

A LACKLUSTRE performance by Park was severely punished by an organised Macclesfield side who took their opportunities well and fully deserved to take the points.

Park were affected by changes in the backs due to injuries, but the same pack which had performed so well against Northwich last week lacked fire and cohesion.

Early injuries to Ben Barton and Matt Ballimore added to Park's problems.

The first quarter of an hour proved to be Park's best spell, and good movement of the ball saw Matt Shillabeer all but score the first try. However, he was adjudged by the referee to have touched the corner flag before touching down and the score was not allowed.

Macclesfield grew in confidence as they realised that the game was theirs for the taking and they finished as worthy winners, their points coming from three tries, two conversions and two penalties.

A solitary penalty goal from Ben Barton was all that Park could muster on a disappointing afternoon.

EOIN Welch crossed for two tries as Park's under-16s pulled off a 22-7 win at Chester. Richard Murdin also scored a touchdown, with Matt Thurlwell landing two conversions and a penalty.

At under-15 level, county champions Chester came to Winnington Park and were made to work hard for a 27-18 win. Park's tries were scored by Iain Swinton and Stephen Gerrard, with Gerrard adding two penalties and a conversion.

Winnington's under-14's lost 17-10 at home to Chester, Tom Woodger and Juan Turner scoring tries, but there was better news for Park's under-13s, who cuffed Hoylake 34-0.

Converted for the new archive on 13 March 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.