No win for Winn as Southport triumph
AFTER the morning’s euphoria with England’s stunning performance in the World Cup Semi-Finals, you would have thought any Saturday afternoon rugby was going to be an anti-climax.
But nothing could be further from the truth.
Southport welcomed match sponsor Michael Halsall and Winnington Park Rugby Club with both teams desperate for a win.
The skies had cleared and despite the extensive rainfall during the previous 24 hours the Southport pitch was in tip top condition, promising an open and expansive flowing match.
The home team got off to an excellent start and were camped on the Winnington Park 22 for an extended period of time until the ball came out to the ever youthful Col Toohey who after a couple of steps and with the try line beckoning unselfishly offloaded the ball to Harrison Keating who ghosted past two would-be tacklers to score under the posts with the conversion slotted by Charlie Attis.
The away team were quick to respond and a strong run from their flanker ended up in a converted try.
Following a Southport knock on from the restart, the away team earned themselves a penalty and a three point lead.
An arm wrestle ensued, however Southport managed to win possession with Joe Parkinson making a wonderful break and a lovely pass put Tom Peacock away who scored under the posts giving Southport a two point lead at halftime.
Spurred on by a big crowd at Waterloo Road the home team were quickly out of the blocks with man of the match Joe Parkinson scoring an opportunistic interception try, which was duly converted.
Southport were enjoying an extended spell of possession and playing rugby in the opposition half with some excellent tactical kicking by Charlie Attis and strong running by the forwards.
With youngsters Alex Leadbetter and Haydn Barnes leading from the front they did not have to wait too long before Tom Peacock once again scored a converted try after a jinking run.
Southport had all the momentum at this point but Winnington Park were not to be denied and came back strongly to score two excellent converted tries, their tactic of taking quick tap penalties unsettling the home team.
With only minutes remaining and the score in favour of the home team at 33-31, a grand stand finish was on the cards.
Southport managed to secure the ball from the kick-off but the away team then earned themselves a penalty however the kick from the half way line was always going to be a challenge.
With the ball falling short, Southport were able to slowly move play back to the half way line and thereafter control the game with their strong set piece and the forwards ability to retain possession.
Eventually time was up and the ball despatched into touch giving Southport a much needed two point win.
There is only one rugby match next week and that is the one involving England in the World Cup final.
The fireworks display will kick of proceedings at Waterloo Road this coming Friday, and the Club house will again be open on Saturday morning, so please come down and support the club.