RFU North Two West

Saturday, March 17

WINNINGTON'S supporters outnumbered their hosts' and were rewarded by their side continuing their sparkling success of 2001, in which they have only suffered one defeat.

Although Park beat Widnes at Burrows Hill in the first game of the season, the victory had been far from convincing and Widnes were fresh from their first league points a week before.

But despite a piercingly cold wind, Park made a brisk start which ensured their hosts' season returned to normal form.

Following his 26-point tally from last week, Gary Bell was again in devastating form, scoring all Park's first half points with two tries, two conversions and a penalty.

The first after 10 minutes was the best of the game and involved over half the Winnington team, sending Bell away on the left to cut inside and score near the posts.

Carl Patterson put Bell in for the second try on the half hour, Bell again adding the conversion himself along with a long range penalty

But also on good form was the Widnes full back Charlie Woan who kept Widnes in contention with three first half penalties to make the interval score 17-9

Winnington made a strong start to the second half and Bell extended the lead with the second of his three penalties.

Erik Lund was again prodigious in the line-out and a spectacular leap to steal Widnes ball set up a good attacking position for Park. Andy Critchley, playing in the unusual position for him on the back row, forced his way over the line near the posts. The conversion was a formality for Bell.

After another Bell penalty, stand-off Phil Beswick picked up a loose ball and raced over half the length of the pitch to touch down unopposed. Captain Bell, who had not missed a kick all afternoon, made the final tally a convincing 37 points.