Match Report - Hoylake 1st XV v's Winnington Park

Winnington Park 15
Hoylake 24

A satisfying victory for Hoylake's 1st XV on the road to one time bogey side, Winnington Park. This was the second victory over the Cheshire side this season following the hard fought win in the Cheshire Cup back in August.

Hoylake, still missing a few key forwards, fronted up in the pack and although there is still plenty of work to do in the set piece, enough of a platform was given for the Hoylake backs to win the game.
In what was an entertaining encounter, Hoylake dominated the first and last quarters of the match, whilst Park were dominant in the middle quarters. However, it was the individual brilliance of skipper, Steve Young that settled the match.

Hoylake raced into a 7-0 lead following a try under the sticks from stand-off James McLaughlin, when he pounced on a Winnington Park mix up in defence. They then had chances to extend the lead when both Guy Byatt and Iain Stephenson were held up inches from the line. Then the tide turned. Winnington Park had a couple of guilt edged chances to get on the score sheet but knocked on over the line on two occasions.

Eventually, their stand-off slotted a penalty and a try was scored in the corner, despite the best efforts of number 8, Matt O'Hanlon.
The second period started with Hoylake on the back foot and a weak scrummage was punished as the Winningtom Park number 8 pounced on the loose ball and powered over the line. The conversion was well taken and Park seemed to be in a strong position.

However, the visitors showed plenty of character and some strong running from the forwards gave Steve Young several penalty chances, which uncharacteristically he failed to convert. With the game in the final quarter, Young made amends. Firstly, he somehow managed to bounce through 4 or 5 defenders and round the fullback to score under the sticks from 30 metres. He converted his own try and just 5 minutes later, repeated the trick. This time, an audacious chip and gather from the half way line, saw him again round the unfortunate full back to score the decisive try. Again he converted. At 21-15, Park were still within touching distance. However, the forwards again stepped up and another infringement at the breakdown gave Young the chance to seal the victory. This time he gratefully accepted and his side was home and dry for a welcome 4 points.

Despite Young's match winning performance, man of the match went to back row work horse, Guy Byatt. There were also notable performances in the pack by Matt O'Neill, Jake Woods and veteran prop, Iain Stephenson.
This week, Hoylake entertain recently promoted Orrell Anvills. They will be looking to improve on their current run of form, following the disappointing performances in the opening two games of the league season.