Hoylake 1st XV 21 - Winnington Park 6

Hoylake 21
Winnington Park 6

Hoylake secured their third victory against Winnington Park this season in a typically hard fought encounter. Despite the visitors having the majority of possession, it was Hoylake's superior, aggressive defence that was the difference between the two sides.

Still missing several key players, particularly in the back line, Hoylake's intention was to play a tighter game than usual and Chris Whiteley, playing his first 1st XV game for two years at stand off, managed to implement the game plan well and when required, used his ample physique to good effect in defence.

With 4 players arriving just in time, looking slightly the worse for wear following an overseas stag do, coach Gareth John could have been forgiven for fearing the worst. As it was, other than a shakey first 10 minutes, the hosts performed well and their typically robust defence, lead by flankers Guy Byatt and Rob Shaw, began to take its toll on the young Winnington Park side.

With the strong wind at their backs, the visitors took the lead with a well struck penalty but an 85 metre break away try 10 minutes before half time by winger Liam Rushton, gave Hoylake the lead. Joe Lavin added the extras. Park managed another penalty at half time to leave things finely balanced at 7-6 to Hoylake.

The second period followed a similar pattern although the game was interrupted by a flurry of yellow cards for a series of technical infringements. 3 for Hoylake and one for Winnington Park. Despite playing with the man disadvantage for 20 minutes of the half, Hoylake's forwards began to assert their dominance and with 15 minutes remaining gave themselves the edge after a pick and drive at the base of a scrum, loose forward Byatt, picked up and drove over with the support of skipper, Matt O'Neill. Lavin again added the extras.

The last 10 minutes were all Hoylake and eventually, resurgent hooker, Mark Wylie, drove over from close range after good work from the forwards again. Lavin slotted the conversion to complete the scoring.

A great win for Hoylake, particularly taking into account the far from ideal preparation. The stag himself, Rich Young put in a typically abrasive performance at 13 despite the hangover and veteran second row/prop, Phil James put in another dominant performance in the loose, earning him the man-of-the-match plaudits.