Winnington Park v Hoylake

Winnington Park 17
Hoylake 7

For the second time in a week, Hoylake travelled to Winnington Park in the eagerly awaited season opener at Burrows Hill.

Hoylake welcomed back Guy Byatt, Ian Griffiths, Chris Whiteley, Richard Young and Mike Russell from the previous week and were in confident mood, despite the resounding defeat at the hands of the hosts in the Cheshire Cup, the preceding week. There were still several players on the 'unavailables' list though. A situation that needs to be urgently rectified if Hoylake are going to start winning games in a very strong South Lancs Cheshire 1.

The first half was a close contest. The hosts were edging it though, despite having a relatively lightweight pack. They were managing to keep Hoylake's experienced pack at bay and were seizing on turnover ball and looked dangerous when their young back line was given space. As it was, there was only a penalty separating the sides at half time. Winnington Park 3, Hoylake 0.

The second half saw Hoylake come out of the blocks with a bit of belief. After 15 minutes, Tom Selby-Milic seized on some confusion at the back of a Park set piece. He was well supported by flanker Byatt who offloaded perfectly in the tackle to debutant winger, Danny Lewis who finished off well under the stick. Joe Lavin converted to give Hoylake the lead.

As was often the case last season, instead of spurring on Hoylake, the score caused them to relax and lose concentration. After a couple of turnovers, Winnington Park were in the Hoylake 22, and retook the lead when their hooker scored wide out on the left, just 5 minutes after the Hoylake try.

The visitors tried to press and Lavin missed a very kickable penalty that would have levelled the score. Then too many basic errors gave Winnington Park decent field position, then confusion in the defensive line allowed their spritely 10 to stroll in under the posts. Another disappointing try to concede. This proved to be the final score of the day, giving Winnington Park the 4 points, which on the whole they deserved.

There were some positives for Hoylake on the day. The debut try by Danny Lewis, the strong performance by young co-winger, Conner Bradshaw and an excellent debut from blindside flanker, Mike Russell. The team's fitness wasn't terrible and with 2 or 3 decent prospects to introduce into Hoylake's back line in the coming weeks, hopefully the squad can get to winning ways as competition for places increases.

Next week sees Hoylake on their travels to their old sparring partners, Glossop. A totally different prospect!