YET again, a lack of discipline proved Park's undoing as they bid to complete a league double over Sheffield.

Their opponent's full-back demonstrated his kicking ability early on. But that didn't stop Winnington consistently infringing - giving him the chance to convert free kicks from all angles.

His penalty goals proved the points difference between the sides - who each managed two tries.

But in reality, Park only played with any purpose for the final 10 minutes.

They got off to a bright start with Gary Bell's penalty putting them ahead after two minutes.

But right from the restart, Sheffield scored a try, which they converted to race into the lead.

Park should have done the same. They ran the ball back up the field but what would have been a scoring pass from Jez Owens was intercepted.

Bell narrowed the gap to one point with a second penalty but Sheffield it back with four penalties, two either side of half-time to move into a 19-6 lead.

The injured Mike Bebbington was replaced by Tim Cope and Terry Jones, Dave Corwood and Matt Dodds all came on to settle Park down.

Owens linked with Matt Farr to break down the Sheffield defence - taking play to within two metres of the try line.

Quick ball and a powerful burst from Nick Yardley provided a platform for John Basnett to sweep in to scoop up the ball and score. Bell missed the conversion.

Despite an apparent comeback, Sheffield scored again. From a scrum in an innocuous position, a back row move set up their left winger for a simple run in at the corner to stretch their lead to 24-11.

With 10 minutes left, Winnington finally found their form as Owens and Farr combined to set up Bell - who went over before converting his own try.

Park continued to press, but eventually time ended their hopes of an unlikely victory.

Park: Bell, Basnett, Owens, Farr, Hill, Agar, Allcock, Tarquin (Dodds), Davies, Corwood, Green, Sproston (Jones), Yardley, Bebbington (Cope), Staley.

Winnington take a rest from their league exertions on Sunday as they take on Macclesfield in the Cheshire Cup, kick off 2pm.

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